To “field a candidate” means for a political party to officially select and support an individual to run for a particular office during an election. This process often involves internal vetting to ensure the chosen candidate aligns with the party's platform and values. Fielding candidates is crucial for parties to gain representation in government and influence policy decisions. Successful candidates typically engage in campaigning to garner votes and build voter support, as their election represents the party's interests and political agenda within the electoral system.