Candidacy

a person who seeks an office, honor, etc.:
a candidate for governor.
a person who is selected by others as a contestant for an office, honor, etc.
a person who is deserving of or seems destined for a certain end or fate:
Such a reckless spender is a candidate for the poorhouse.
a student studying for a degree:
Candidates for the B.A. will have to meet certain minimum requirements.
to become a candidate for service as a new minister of a church; preach before a congregation that is seeking a new minister.
Contemporary Examples

This Civil War Reenactor Controls Christie’s Fate Olivia Nuzzi March 4, 2014
The Revolution of 1940: America’s Fight Over Entering World War II Marc Wortman June 22, 2013
Ghost of Mitt Romney, Hanging Around Since November, to Appear at CPAC David Freedlander February 20, 2013
Mitt Romney’s Missing Character Narrative Must Be Part of GOP Convention Speech John Avlon August 29, 2012
Taking the Sheen Off Obama Ross Goldberg December 9, 2008

Historical Examples

The Co-Citizens Corra Harris
The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume One Abraham Lincoln
The Fourth R George Oliver Smith
The Soul of John Brown Stephen Graham
McClure’s Magazine, January, 1896, Vol. VI. No. 2 Various

noun
a person seeking or nominated for election to a position of authority or honour or selection for a job, promotion, etc
a person taking an examination or test
a person or thing regarded as suitable or likely for a particular fate or position: this wine is a candidate for his cellar
n.
n.