The phrase "to win the candidate" means successfully convincing or persuading a person to choose or support you as their preferred choice in an election or selection process. Full definition
The method by which AV votes are counted makes it impossible to assess which winning candidates enjoy the genuine support of the majority. (opendemocracy.net)
Winning candidates don't know, they don't want to know — and frankly don't care — why people vote for them. (thirdpartypolitics.us)
In the fierce admissions competition, strong achievement scores sometimes win a candidate acceptance. (articles.latimes.com)