As the 2024 United States (US) presidential election gears up, the field of candidates has begun to slowly narrow down to the top runners in the race. Both major parties have their key contenders, while third-party and independent candidates are also making their bids.
As such, you may be wondering who’s likely to be next in the White House, or simply what the US election odds are looking like. So, here’s a rundown of who’s still in the race (at the time of writing – July 2024) as we head towards November, as well as some notable candidates from each party who have dropped out:
Democratic candidates
Joe Biden: The incumbent President, Joe Biden, is seeking his re-election. Despite facing some criticisms and concerns about his age, Biden remains the Democratic frontrunner for this 2024 election. His campaign focuses on a continuation of his current administration’s policies – including economic recovery, healthcare expansion, and a variety of climate change initiatives. We’ll see if his campaign proves successful in securing him a second term in the White House.
Marianne Williamson: Author and activist Marianne Williamson is making another run for the Presidency, after her failed run in 2020. Known for her progressive platform, Williamson advocates for policies such as universal healthcare, student debt forgiveness, and a significant overhaul of the criminal justice system. Williamson’s campaign was briefly suspended in February, but she unsuspended it three weeks later.
Republican candidates
Donald Trump: The former President, Donald Trump, remains a dominant figure in the Republican primary. As such, he’s running again to secure a second term in the White House and beat his opposing candidates. Despite some ongoing legal challenges and controversies, Trump still has a strong base of support within the Grand Old Party (GOP). His campaign echoes that of his previous term, focusing on immigration, economic nationalism, and a tough stance on China.
(Dropped out) Ron DeSantis: The Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, was seen as a worthy challenger to Trump. DeSantis has built a national profile through his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida, along with his stance on certain cultural issues. However, DeSantis dropped out of the race in January 2024.
(Dropped out) Nikki Haley: Another notable runner for the Republican party was Former United Nations (UN) Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. Haley positioned herself as a new-generation leader who could appeal to both the traditional conservatives and more moderate voters. That being said, Nikki Haley recently exited the presidential election race in March 2024.
Third-Party and Independent candidates
Jill Stein: Former Green Party nominee Jill Stein has once again thrown her hat into the election ring. Stein’s platform is mostly built around environmental sustainability, social justice, and an economic system that benefits everyone. Stein’s presence in the race highlights the ongoing appeal of progressive third-party movements that may be dissatisfied with the traditional two-party system.
Cornel West: Progressive activist and scholar Cornel West is also running as a third-party candidate for the 2024 US election. West’s campaign focuses mainly on systemic issues like racial injustice, economic inequality, and a complete overhaul of the American political system.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Initially running as a Democrat, Kennedy has shifted to make an independent run for the Presidency. His campaign is known for its controversial anti-vaccine stance on vaccines and a push to drop chronic disease in children. This is also combined with a message to transform the police and dismantle censorship.
The road ahead
As the race continues, these candidates will vie for their party’s nomination through debates, state primaries, and caucuses. Each contender brings a unique set of policies and visions for America’s future, making this election a critical moment for the country.
We all wait in anticipation to see who will be the next person in the White House, and more importantly, what impact they will have on the future of America.
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