Factbox – Who Are the Candidates Running in the US Presidential Election?

By Susan Heavey, Costas Pitas

Former Republican President Donald Trump is set to face Vice President Kamala Harris in the U.S. presidential election on November 5, following President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race.

Several third-party candidates are also joining the fray. Here’s an overview of the main candidates:

Republican Party

Donald Trump

At 78, Trump secured the Republican nomination during the party convention in Milwaukee in July, shortly after surviving an assassination attempt at a campaign event. He continues to propagate false claims that Democrats stole the 2020 election as he embarks on his third presidential campaign amid significant legal challenges, including a recent indictment related to his attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.

Serving as president from 2017 to 2021, Trump asserts that the legal proceedings against him are politically motivated attacks. He has vowed “retribution” against those he views as political adversaries, adopting a more extreme and foreboding tone.

In May, Trump became the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime, facing additional charges at both federal and state levels for his attempts to alter the outcome of the 2020 election. He was also previously impeached twice.

While a federal judge dismissed allegations concerning the illegal retention of classified documents after his presidency, the decision is currently under appeal. Trump maintains his innocence throughout these allegations.

With elections approaching, it seems unlikely any ongoing legal matters will be resolved before November. A judge in New York has deferred sentencing related to Trump’s conviction for falsifying documents.

Trump has yet to commit to accepting the election results and has hinted at potential political violence if necessary. Moreover, he has threatened to prosecute election officials and donors should he regain the presidency.

As the oldest presidential nominee in U.S. history, Trump would become the second oldest president if elected in November, following Biden, who will be 82 at the end of his term in January.

Trump has pledged to pardon his supporters who were imprisoned due to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, describing them as "warriors." He also seeks the authority to appoint federal employees who are loyal to him.

Trump’s potential policies include targeting programs related to diversity and the independence of the Justice Department, as outlined in a strategy referred to as "Project 2025," although he has distanced himself from it despite the involvement of many former aides.

On foreign policy, Trump promises to reshape the U.S. relationship with NATO and to pursue peace negotiations for the Ukraine conflict, potentially involving territorial concessions from Kyiv.

In domestic matters, he has emphasized immigration, proposing mass deportations, an end to birthright citizenship, and an expansion of travel restrictions on certain nations.

Regarding abortion, he takes pride in the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and advocates for states to regulate abortion laws, while stating that he does not support a ban on birth control.

Trump has also expressed intentions to reverse significant climate change initiatives set by the Biden administration and has faced backlash, including from fellow Republicans, over personal attacks directed at Harris.

He recently appointed former Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to his transition team after Kennedy paused his independent run for the presidency. Trump has also mentioned putting billionaire Elon Musk in charge of a panel focused on government efficiency and has received endorsements from various police organizations.

Democratic Party

Kamala Harris

At 59, Harris won the Democratic nomination after Biden stepped back, allowing the party to present a unified vision contrasting with Trump’s agenda. This shift follows turbulent weeks within the party after Biden’s underwhelming performance in a debate with Trump.

Harris, who previously served as a U.S. senator, California attorney general, and local prosecutor, made history as the first woman and person of color to serve as vice president. If elected, she would be the first woman in U.S. history to assume the presidency.

Current polls indicate a competitive race, with Harris leading Trump nationally in some surveys. However, in critical battleground states that may determine the election, Trump holds a slight edge over her.

Harris is expected to adhere closely to Biden’s foreign policy strategies regarding issues like Ukraine and China. Recently, she has urged the Israeli leadership for a ceasefire agreement while maintaining a firm stance against Hamas.

Her economic platform includes proposals to reduce taxes for many Americans, curb alleged price gouging by grocery stores, boost affordable housing, and introduce a new child tax credit, alongside raising the corporate tax rate.

Harris shares Biden’s commitment to tackling climate change and has been recognized as supportive of technology sectors. She has also actively engaged with labor leaders for backing her presidential ambitions.

Independents

Cornel West

Political activist and academic Cornel West, 71, is mounting a third-party campaign aimed at progressive voters. Initially a Green Party candidate, he has now declared himself an independent, focusing on issues such as poverty and housing.

Green Party

Jill Stein

Jill Stein, 74, a physician and former Green Party candidate from 2016, seeks to return to the presidential race, condemning Democrats for failing to fulfill promises to working-class Americans and environmental initiatives.

Libertarian Party

Chase Oliver

Chase Oliver, 39, gained the Libertarian nomination after the party initially invited Trump and Kennedy to their convention. Oliver previously ran for a state Senate seat in Georgia, where he received 2% of the vote.