A well-known man, especially a politician, who is supported and celebrated by people in his hometown. Ray was the favorite son of his hometown of Twin Falls, Idaho. I know he's Oakdale's favorite son, but, to be honest, I wouldn't vote for him in an election. My brother became our hometown's favorite son after he won an Olympic medal.

A person valued by his or her hometown or organization for his or her achievements, usually political, as in Mary hoped they would treat her as a favorite son and nominate her for state senator. This term was originally employed for a candidate nominated for office by his own locality. Today this usage may ignore gender, as in the example. [c. 1780]