What is the result when no candidate receives an absolute majority in a primary election?

When no candidate receives an absolute majority in a primary election, a runoff primary is held. This situation arises when the leading candidates fail to secure more than 50% of the votes, which is often required in many states to win outright. In a runoff primary, the top two candidates compete against each other in a subsequent election, allowing voters to determine which candidate will represent the party in the general election.

This process is designed to ensure that the chosen candidate has a clear mandate from the majority of party voters, enhancing the legitimacy of the selection and fostering stronger party unity going into the general election. The other options do not reflect the standard procedures followed in primary elections when faced with a lack of an absolute majority.