A running mate is a person who runs together with another person on a joint ticket during an election. The term is most often used in reference to the person in the subordinate position, such as the vice-presidential candidate running with a presidential candidate. However, it can also be used when referring to both candidates, such as by saying Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were running mates in relation to the presidential elections held in the United States in 2020. Running mates may be chosen, by custom or by law, to balance the ticket geographically, ideologically, or personally. In the United States, "running mate" refers not only to a candidate for vice president (federal), but also to a candidate for lieutenant governors of those states where the governor and lieutenant governor are jointly elected. In the Republic of Ireland, the term "running mate" refers to members of the same party who are running for the same constituency in a general election for Dáil Éireann.