A look at the remaining 2024 presidential candidates – The Cauldron
With caucuses and primaries underway, the field of candidates for the 2024 presidential election is narrowing within the two main parties, though third-party candidates remain hopeful.
The line-up of 2024 presidential candidates is much vaster than some may know. Pictured from left to right: Joe Biden (New York Times), Donald Trump (New York Times), Claudia de la Cruz (The Guardian), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (New York Times).
On the Republican side, former President Trump and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley are facing off at the polls. Most recently, Trump beat Haley in the New Hampshire primary on Jan. 23, receiving 54% of the vote to Haley’s 43%, as reported by The Guardian.
With delegates awarded based on the percentage of votes received, Trump currently has a total of 32 delegates while Haley has 17 delegates. Approximately 1,215 delegates are needed to win the Republican nomination.
Despite calls to drop out after her second-place New Hampshire finish was announced, Haley remains adamant about her ability to receive the Republican nomination:
“New Hampshire is first in the nation. It is not the last,” Haley said in a room of her supporters. “This race is far from over. There are dozens of states left to go, and the next one is my sweet state of South Carolina.”
Haley would be far from the first Republican to bow out of the race.
A few days before the New Hampshire primary, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dropped out of the race on Jan. 21, endorsing Trump despite their rivalry throughout the campaign. Entrepreneur and Ohio native Vivek Ramaswamy and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum have also dropped out of the race, endorsing the former president. Others who have ended their presidential bids, including former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former U.S. Representative Will Hurd, endorsed Haley.
Though many consider the Republican side a two-person race, another little-known Republican businessman, Ryan Binkley, is still officially in the race. He received 0.1% of the vote in New Hampshire, finishing behind drop-outs Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Vice President Mike Pence.
As for Democrats, author and politician Marianne Williamson and U.S. Representative Dean Phillips are both challenging current President Joe Biden.
However, after not campaigning in New Hampshire, Biden unofficially won the primary with about 64% of votes, all by write-in because his name was not on the ballot. Phillips received approximately 21% of the vote and Williamson earned about 4%. The Democratic candidate needs to win 1,969 delegates to receive the nomination, but no delegates have been awarded so far.
The vote of confidence for Biden came as concerns continue to surface about his health and age. Biden currently sits at 81 years old.
Should the path continue on its current trend, a 2020 rematch between Biden and Trump, is possible this November. Following Biden closely in years, Trump is 77 years old and has also faced criticism for mental lapses. Age remains a critical factor in the race.
Third Party Hopefuls
Outside of the two main parties, third party candidates remain hopeful that voters will look for a third option, besides Biden and Trump.
One rising presidential candidate with the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) is Claudia de la Cruz. She and her running mate, Karina Garcia, have been active in protests against Israel’s recent actions in Gaza and the U.S.’s assistance, explaining that she is “on the side of people who are oppressed, who are colonized, who are exploited.” In an interview with The Guardian, de la Cruz shared that the PSL has seen growing support because of the party’s support for the Palestinian cause.
If elected, de la Cruz’s plan includes turning the top 100 corporations into public property and enforcing a 100% tax on all income and assets over $10 million. Not denying the challenges she faces on the path to the White House, de la Cruz remains optimistic about her chances.
Other hopefuls include politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate who originally kicked off the race as a Democrat. Philosopher Cornel West, who began his campaign as a People’s Party candidate, is now running as an independent. Independent candidates must follow each state’s unique guidelines to get on the ballot this November.
Currently, Kennedy is aiming to create his own “We the People” party to lower requirements to get on the ballot. Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate, is another 2024 hopeful who previously ran in 2012 and 2016 as the Green Party nominee.
The third party candidates, including Stein, are each promoting their campaign as an alternative to the two main parties.
For Democrats and Republicans, caucuses, primaries and conventions, which began on Jan. 15, will continue through June 8.
Many are also looking ahead to Super Tuesday when, on Mar. 5, over one third of all delegates will be awarded. With elections in 16 states and territories, Super Tuesday provides an opportunity for candidates to surge forward with a strong showing, though a loss can cripple a campaign.
The presidential primary election in Ohio is on Tuesday, March 19. The voter registration deadline is Feb. 20. Ohioans can register to vote through Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s website: https://www.ohiosos.gov.