Third-Party Candidates Could Play Kingmaker in Tight Presidential Race
With the 2024 presidential election shaping up as a close contest, the votes cast for third-partyand independent candidates in key swing states could hold the key to the White House. While these candidates may not be seen as frontrunners, their vote share,even if relatively small, could prove decisive in a race likely to be decided by narrow margins.
This awareness has spurred activity from both major parties. TheDemocrats and Republicans have been actively trying to influence the third-party landscape, promoting candidates they believe could hurt their opponents while simultaneously working to block those they see as a threat to their own prospects.
This strategy is exemplified by the case of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who, after withdrawing from the presidential race as an independent candidate, endorsed Donald Trump. Despite his efforts to remove his name from the ballot in several key states, Kennedy Jr. remains on the ballot in Michigan and Wisconsin. This situation highlights the complexities of third-party candidacy and the challenges they face in securing ballot access.
Established third parties, however, often find it easier to secure a spot on state ballots compared to independent candidates or smaller political parties. This year, both the Libertarian and Green parties have successfully placed their candidates onballots in several swing states.
Here’s a breakdown of the presidential candidates appearing on ballots in the seven top battleground states, along with the major party contenders, Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump:
Arizona:
- Kamala Harris (Democrat)
- Donald Trump (Republican)
- Chase Oliver (Libertarian)
- Howie Hawkins (Green)
Florida:
- Kamala Harris (Democrat)
- Donald Trump (Republican)
- Chase Oliver (Libertarian)
- Howie Hawkins (Green)
Georgia:
- Kamala Harris (Democrat)
- Donald Trump (Republican)
- Chase Oliver (Libertarian)
- Howie Hawkins (Green)
Michigan:
- Kamala Harris (Democrat)
- Donald Trump (Republican)
- Chase Oliver (Libertarian)
- Howie Hawkins (Green)
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Independent)
North Carolina:
- Kamala Harris (Democrat)
- Donald Trump (Republican)
- Chase Oliver (Libertarian)
- Howie Hawkins (Green)
Pennsylvania:
- Kamala Harris (Democrat)
- Donald Trump (Republican)
- Chase Oliver (Libertarian)
- Howie Hawkins (Green)
Wisconsin:
- Kamala Harris (Democrat)
- Donald Trump (Republican)
- Chase Oliver (Libertarian)
- Howie Hawkins (Green)
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Independent)
While the presence of third-party candidates adds complexity to the election landscape, it also underscores the importance of voter engagement and understanding the choices available beyond the traditionaltwo-party system. As the election draws closer, the impact of these candidates on the outcome of the race will become increasingly apparent, potentially shaping the future of the nation.
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