What does the clue ‘election loser NYT’ mean in the crossword?

[AngelinaWi]

I’m working on the NYT crossword and came across ‘election loser NYT.’ Can someone explain the answer or meaning?

 

[Vecna]

Election loser NYT clue usually points to ALSO-RAN — a candidate who ran in an election but lost.

 

[royjasika]

In crosswords 'election loser NYT' often clues ALSO-RAN, someone who ran but failed to win. Also-ran fits common grid patterns and appears frequently in the New York Times and other puzzles. It succinctly captures a defeated candidate without specifying the office, making it a tidy, neutral fill constructors use for a short, familiar answer. Also a crossword staple in many puzzles.