Primary elections influence party dynamics by determining candidates who will represent parties in general elections. They serve as a critical mechanism for democratizing the candidate selection process, allowing party members or the broader electorate to weigh in on the candidates' platforms and appeal. The outcomes can shift party ideologies and strategies, especially if candidates represent progressive or moderate factions within the party. Additionally, primary elections often engage grassroots mobilization, shaping voter turnout and influencing overall electoral success in the subsequent general election.