To "anoint a candidate" means to officially appoint or choose someone for a particular position, like a job or a leadership role. It is usually done in a formal or ceremonial way. Full definition
The Queens machine prides itself on anointing candidates of emerging ethnic groups and could look to Mr. Najmi, a former staffer in Councilman Weprin's office and an activist with the South Asian / West Indian advocacy group SEVA. (observer.com)
The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State and the Peoples Democratic Party anointed candidate for the 2018 governorship election, Prof Kolapo Olusola, has boasted that the resolute... (dailypost.ng)
The defeat of party anointed candidates on both sides could also signal the political demise of Republican and Democratic leaders. (hudsonvalleyone.com)