The 2024 United States presidential elections are taking over the world. This important event is taking place on November 5, marking the 60th presidential election in the country's history. This year’s election comes after the reallocation of Electoral College votes, a process influenced by the 2020 census redistricting.
With twenty-four candidates officially on ballots across the country, four major candidates have qualified in enough states to potentially secure the minimum 270 Electoral College votes necessary for victory. Let’s take a closer look at these primary contenders, along with other notable candidates and withdrawn contenders who have shaped the election landscape.
Major 2024 Presidential Candidates
The four primary candidates in the 2024 presidential election are Vice President Kamala Harris (Democratic Party), former President Donald Trump (Republican Party), Jill Stein (Green Party), and Chase Oliver (Libertarian Party). Each of these candidates has officially qualified in enough states to secure the 270 electoral votes required to win the presidency. Here’s a brief overview of each candidate and their path to nomination.
Kamala Harris (Democratic Party)
Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee for the 2024 election. After President Joe Biden decided not to seek re-election in July 2024, Harris emerged as the primary candidate and received strong support within her party. Her candidacy was confirmed after she won the majority of delegate votes at the Democratic virtual roll call vote, held from August 1 to August 5. Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate, aiming to continue the Democratic Party’s policies with a focus on economic stability, healthcare reform, and climate change initiatives.
Donald Trump (Republican Party)
Former President Donald Trump is making his bid for a second term in the White House as the Republican nominee. Trump officially announced his candidacy in November 2022 and maintained strong support among Republican voters. His nomination was solidified at the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024. Running on a platform of economic growth, border security, and conservative values, Trump continues to mobilize a dedicated base of supporters while reaching out to undecided voters. His candidacy marks a historic return attempt following his initial term as president from 2017 to 2021.
Jill Stein (Green Party)
Jill Stein, the Green Party nominee, has consistently advocated for environmental and social justice issues. Known for her presidential runs in 2012 and 2016, Stein announced her 2024 campaign in November 2023 and officially secured the Green Party nomination on August 17, 2024. She has selected Butch Ware as her running mate, and her campaign centers on issues like climate action, healthcare access, and reducing corporate influence in politics. Stein aims to provide voters with a progressive alternative to the two major parties.
Chase Oliver (Libertarian Party)
Representing the Libertarian Party, Chase Oliver is known for his focus on civil liberties, reduced government intervention, and fiscal responsibility. Oliver gained recognition after his 2022 campaign for the U.S. Senate in Georgia and officially announced his presidential candidacy in April 2023. Oliver’s campaign appeals to voters who are seeking a smaller government role in daily life, lower taxes, and individual freedoms. His platform includes advocacy for criminal justice reform, privacy rights, and opposition to foreign military interventions.
Other Notable and Withdrawn Candidates
In addition to these four primary candidates, several other figures have participated in the 2024 election cycle, though not all have remained in the race. Here are some other notable candidates:
- Cornel West (Independent): A prominent philosopher and activist, Cornel West entered the race as an independent candidate in June 2023, bringing attention to issues like racial justice, economic inequality, and democratic reforms.
- Claudia De La Cruz (Party for Socialism and Liberation): A community organizer and activist, De La Cruz joined the race in September 2023, representing socialist principles and advocating for systemic reforms to promote social equity.
- Randall Terry (Constitution Party): Known for his anti-abortion activism, Randall Terry was nominated by the Constitution Party in April 2024 and ran on a socially conservative platform.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Independent): Initially campaigning as a Democrat, Kennedy withdrew from the race on August 23, 2024, after announcing his intention to run as an independent in battleground states.
- Dean Phillips (Democrat): U.S. Representative from Minnesota, Phillips entered the race briefly but withdrew in March 2024.
The 2024 election cycle also saw the withdrawal of many prominent figures from the race. These include former Vice President Mike Pence, former governors Ron DeSantis and Chris Christie, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, among others. These candidates contributed to discussions on key national issues before exiting the race.
The 2024 Election Landscape
The 2024 election takes place in a politically divided nation, where voters face a range of choices representing diverse political philosophies. With four main candidates spanning the political spectrum from progressive to conservative to libertarian, voters have multiple options that cater to different priorities, from environmental issues to economic policies to personal freedoms.
Looking Ahead
The winner of the 2024 presidential election will take office on January 20, 2025, inheriting the responsibility of guiding the nation through social, economic, and global challenges. This election, shaped by shifting electoral dynamics and significant public interest, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on American history.
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