caucus

ˈkɔːkəs

noun

(in some US states) a meeting at which local members of a political party register their preference among candidates running for office or select delegates to attend a convention.

Hawaii holds its nominating caucuses next Tuesday

meeting,assembly,gathering,congress,conference,convention,rally,conclave,congregation,convocation,synod,council,session,parley,get-together

verb

hold or form a legislative caucus.

Republicans briefly caucused