Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are the two major party candidates in the 2024 presidential election, but dozens of other people are also running.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, it’s not just the familiar faces of major party candidates that are drawing attention. This election cycle, several lesser-known but influential figures are also making waves. Here’s a look at some of the notable candidates who are running for president and what they bring to the table.
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Jill Stein
The activist and doctor ran as the Green Party’s candidate in 2012 and 2016.
Now back at 74 years old, she recently told Americas that “Americans are not voting for a candidate they like… They’re generally voting against the candidate they hate the most.
“And that’s no way for a democracy to function.”
Ms Stein calls for an “economic bill of rights” that would include universal access to healthcare and a right to employment. She also vows to fight climate change, defend abortion access and transgender rights, and was recently arrested at a student protest on behalf of Gaza.
She is unlikely to get more than 2% of the vote – but that could still play spoiler to Ms Harris. Hillary Clinton supporters partly blame her for the Democrat’s narrow defeat in 2016.
In three critical states, Mrs Clinton lost to Mr Trump by fewer votes than Ms Stein received.
During this election cycle, Ms Stein has accused Democrats of trying “to sue us off multiple state ballots” to cheat and “change the rules to maintain their grip on power”.
According to the party’s website, Ms Stein will be on the ballot in at least four states, though her campaign is working to be added to more states. Butch Ware, a professor at the University of California Santa Barbara, is her running-mate.
Jill Stein: The Green Party’s Veteran
Jill Stein is once again making a bid for the White House. The former Green Party candidate and physician is known for her strong stances on environmental issues, social justice, and anti-corporate policies. Stein ran as the Green Party’s nominee in 2012 and 2016, and she’s back this year with a renewed focus on climate change, healthcare reform, and reducing military spending. Her campaign continues to emphasize sustainability and a shift away from traditional party politics.
Cornel West: A Progressive Voice
Cornel West, a renowned philosopher, author, and activist, is bringing a powerful progressive voice to the race. Running as a third-party candidate, West is known for his outspoken views on economic inequality, racial justice, and democracy. His campaign aims to address systemic issues within the political and economic systems, advocating for policies that challenge corporate power and promote equity. West’s candidacy is drawing attention for its bold critiques of both major parties and its call for radical change.
The 70-year-old activist and well-known academic has a complicated presidential bid.
He launched it in June with the People’s Party. After falling out with the group, Mr West said he would seek the Green Party’s nomination, but then changed course to run as an independent.
His socialist platform includes funding public healthcare and slashing the US defence budget. Melina Abdullah, a member of the board of directors of the Black Lives Matter Grassroots organisation, is his running mate.
He has attacked Mr Biden as a “war criminal” and Mr Trump as a “fascist pied piper”.
Cornel West speaks to HARD talk
His candidacy could have been a threat to Ms Harris in crucial swing states like Michigan, though his request to appear on the ballot there was recently denied. He is currently on the ballot in nine states and has struggled to raise money.
Chase Oliver: The Libertarian Perspective
Chase Oliver, representing the Libertarian Party, is also in the mix. A prominent advocate for individual freedoms and limited government, Oliver’s campaign focuses on reducing government intervention in both economic and personal affairs. With a background in business and a commitment to libertarian principles, Oliver is pushing for a smaller federal government, lower taxes, and more personal liberties. His campaign seeks to offer an alternative to the traditional two-party system by promoting a platform of minimal government and maximum personal freedom.
The Libertarian Party – the third biggest political party in the country – has nominated Chase Oliver as their presidential candidate, with Mike ter Maat as his running mate.
In doing so, they spurned Mr Trump and Mr Kennedy, both of whom spoke at the party’s convention this month in a bid for its support. Mr Trump received a notably unfriendly reception and lashed out at the audience during his speech.
Mr Oliver, an openly gay sales executive who previously ran on the Libertarian ticket for US congressional races in Georgia, says voters are done with picking from “the lesser of two evils”.
“I’m just about to be the age of 40. I’m living the life of a normal American,” he recently told BBC Americas.
“I understand what it’s like to go to the grocery store with the same amount of money but seeing less and less filling up the cart. Those are things that Donald Trump and Joe Biden are so far-removed from that they just can’t communicate those values anymore.”
Robert F Kennedy Jr
A former environmental lawyer known for his anti-vaccine activism, the nephew of former President John Kennedy initially sought – and failed – to run as a Democrat.
The 70-year-old then mounted an independent challenge to what he called the “two-headed monster” of American politics. Nicole Shanahan, a California lawyer and philanthropist, became his running-mate.
His populist economic message and criticism of the two major parties initially gave him a boost in the polls, on the back of the many disaffected voters unhappy with the choice of Biden or Trump, but he narrowly missed qualifying for the first presidential debate in late June.
In August, he suspended his independent run for presidency and said the principles that led him to leave the Democratic party had now compelled him “to throw my support to President Trump”.
Other Notable Candidates
In addition to these candidates, several other figures are also vying for the presidency. They include independents and representatives from smaller parties who are bringing diverse perspectives and policy proposals to the race. While they may not have the same level of media coverage as the major party candidates, their campaigns are adding richness to the political dialogue and offering voters more choices.
The Impact of Third-Party Candidates
While third-party and independent candidates often face challenges in gaining mainstream traction, their presence can influence the political conversation and impact the policies discussed in the election. These candidates often highlight issues that may be overlooked by the major parties and provide alternative viewpoints for voters seeking something different from the traditional choices.
Looking Ahead President
As the 2024 election approaches, these candidates will continue to campaign and advocate for their platforms. Their presence in the race adds complexity and diversity to the political landscape, offering voters a broader range of options. While they face significant challenges in terms of media coverage and voter support, their campaigns are an important part of the electoral process, encouraging a richer and more nuanced political debate.
The 2024 presidential race is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic in recent history, with a mix of established figures and fresh voices vying for the highest office in the land. As the election draws nearer, it will be interesting to see how these diverse candidates influence the conversation and shape the future of American politics.
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