US Presidential Election 2024: The 60th US presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential and closely watched races in recent history. The contest will decide the country’s 47th president and 50th vice president, roles widely recognised as the most powerful in the world. The 2024 election will see all 435 seats in the House of Representatives up for grabs, along with 34 of the 100 seats in the Senate. These congressional elections will shape the composition of the 119th Congress. Additionally, voters will decide on 13 state and territorial governorships and numerous other state and local offices.


The spotlight is on the main contenders for the presidency: Democrat Kamala Harris, the current vice president, and Republican Donald Trump, the former president. However, a handful of other candidates are also vying for the top job. While Harris and Trump dominate headlines, the others are quietly making their case to American voters. These candidates come from diverse political backgrounds and present alternative visions.


Let’s take a closer look at each candidate and what they represent in this historic race.


Kamala Harris: Aiming to Make History


Kamala Harris, 60, currently serves as vice president and is the Democratic Party’s nominee. She secured the nomination after President Joe Biden decided against a re-election bid. Harris has a notable track record as a former senator, California attorney general, and San Francisco prosecutor. If elected, she would become the first woman and first woman of colour to hold the office of president in the United States, a potential milestone in the country’s 248-year history.


Donald Trump: Veteran With A Controversial Legacy


At 78, Donald Trump is the oldest major party nominee in history and is making his third consecutive run for the White House. The businessman-turned-politician and reality TV star remains a polarising figure. Trump’s presidency saw two impeachment proceedings. Despite controversies, however, he retains a strong, loyal base among Republican voters. Trump continues to assert, without evidence, that the 2020 election was stolen from him by Democrats, and has gone on to say that he should not have left the White House after the 2020 loss. If Trump wins, he would be the first president to return to the office after an electoral defeat since Grover Cleveland in the 19th century. 


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Chase Oliver: The Libertarian Candidate


Chase Oliver, 39, represents the Libertarian Party, known for its advocacy of small government and individual freedoms. Oliver ran for a Georgia state senate seat in 2022, where he received 2% of the vote, and now hopes to capture national attention. The Libertarian Party typically garners around 3% or less of the vote in presidential elections, but Oliver’s campaign could still prove influential in swing states. His presence could draw votes away from the major party candidates, potentially affecting the final outcome in tightly contested regions.


Oliver’s platform emphasises personal liberty, reduced government intervention, and a non-interventionist foreign policy. His campaign offers an alternative for voters disillusioned by the two-party system and appeals to those who value individual freedoms above all.






Jill Stein: The Green Party Voice


Jill Stein, 74, is back on the ballot under the Green Party banner after her previous run in 2016. A physician by training, Stein criticises both major parties, particularly Democrats, for what she describes as broken promises on issues like climate change, social justice, and economic inequality. She argues that both Democrats and Republicans have failed to address the needs of working people and young voters, positioning herself as a candidate committed to systemic change.


Stein’s platform focuses on a “Green New Deal” and progressive policies designed to address climate change, healthcare, and wealth inequality. 






Cornel West: Independent Academic & Activist


Cornel West, 71, a well-known political activist, philosopher, and academic, is running as an independent candidate. West’s campaign seeks to appeal to progressive, Democratic-leaning voters who are frustrated with the status quo. Known for his outspoken views on race, justice, and inequality, West emphasises the need for transformative change in the political system. His candidacy highlights issues related to racial justice, economic reform, and human rights, aiming to bring a unique perspective to the national debate.