The Current Landscape of Democratic Candidates Running for Presidency in 2024
As of July 10, 2023, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) has registered 132 Democrats as presidential candidates for the 2024 election. This number far exceeds the 242 Republican candidates registered at the same time, indicating a significantly crowded field on the Democratic side of the political spectrum.
Why is This Field So Crowded?
The decision to run for the presidency among Democratic candidates is driven by a range of factors. One prominent reason is the looming withdrawal of former President Joe Biden. As he begins to show signs of aging, the Democratic Party is anxious to find someone with the potential to win the general election. Many believe that there is a responsibility to step up and run to prevent a Trump victory by default. This sentiment is underpinned by the belief that letting Trump win by default is insane.
Candidates Announced for the Democratic Primary
Currently, there are three candidates who have officially announced their candidacies for the Democratic primary: Joe Biden, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.), and Marianne Williamson. Structurally, Joe Biden is the most likely to secure the nomination given his previous experience and political standing. RFK Jr., while being highly intelligent, is also aware of his limited chances and is not hopeful about his candidacy. Marianne Williamson's candidacy is noteworthy but her prospects are considered slim.
The Broader Picture
However, the incumbent President's assurance of a re-election might make the primary contest seem less critical. According to the Federal Election Commission, there are 311 Democratic candidates registered for the presidency, as well as 962 running for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 146 running for the U.S. Senate. This number, combined with the thousands more running for state and local offices, indicates a highly competitive and diverse field of candidates.
Major Candidates in the Primary Contests
Despite the large number of registered candidates, only 28 have launched active campaigns for the Democratic primary as of this writing. Of these, 18 are still in the running, while the remaining 10 have since dropped out. This 18 still in the contest represents a diverse array of candidates with varying ideologies and appeal to different voter demographics within the Democratic base.
Conclusion
The crowded and diverse Democratic primary field in 2024 reflects the deep divisions and the dynamic nature of American politics. While many candidates are vying for the support needed to secure the Democratic nomination, the ultimate goal remains to present a strong and unified front against the possibility of a Trump win.