Kingmaker vs. Powerbroker — What's the Difference?

A kingmaker is a person or group that has great influence on a royal or political succession, without themselves being a viable candidate. Kingmakers may use political, monetary, religious, and military means to influence the succession.

A person who exerts strong political or economic influence, especially by controlling key individuals and their votes.

One who has the political power to influence the selection of a candidate for high public office.

Alternative spelling of power broker

(politics) Someone who has strong influence over the choice of a leader.

A person who is important by virtue of the people or votes they control;

A player who is unable to win but powerful enough to decide which of the other viable players will eventually win.

An important person who can bring leaders to power through the exercise of political influence;