Every four years when the presidential election rolls around, the Republican and Democratic parties garner the most media attention. While Joe Biden and Donald Trump have dominated the headlines, over 1,400 individuals have filed to run for president with the FEC.
Data: Candidates by Political Party
Of the 1,400+ filed candidates who filed to run for president in 2024:
- 411 are registered Republican
- 186 are registered Democrat
- 299 are Independents
- 38 are registered Libertarian
- 20 are registered American Independent Party
- 14 are registered Green Party -
- including Jasmin Sharman who is running for the Unicorn Party, which does not appear to be a legally recognized party
- 8 are registered American Independent Conservative
- 6 are registered American People’s Freedom Party
- 6 are registered Communist Party
- 4 are registered Conservative Party
- 4 for the Independent American / Independent American Patriots Party
- 3 are registered Constitution Party
- 3 are registered American Party
- 3 People over Politics (redirects to Facebook)
- 2 Independent Conservative Democratic Party
- 2 for Jewish/Christian National Party
- 2 for the Human Rights Party
- 2 for Peace and Freedom Party
- 2 for the People’s Party
- 2 for the Taxpayers Party
- 2 for Veteran’s Party
- 1 for Ace Party
- 1 for Citizen’s Party
- 1 for Concerned Citizens Party of Connecticut
- 1 for DC Statehood Green Party
- 1 for the George Wallace Party
- 1 is registered Liberal Party
- 1 for New Alliance Party
- 1 for New Progressive Party (Puerto Rico)
- 1 is registered Prohibition Party
- 1 for the Reform Party
The remainder filed under “none” “nonpartisan” “non-party” “no party affiliation” “no party preference” “other” “unaffiliated” “unknown” or “write-in.” (As of May 20, 2024)
Minor political parties split, merge, and restructure often. During this process, institutional knowledge can be lost, or misplaced. Additionally, the FEC sometimes uses different names for political parties than the organizations use for themselves. Best efforts were made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, and to locate the official websites of each organization. If you see an error, or have an update, please email [email protected].
How many political parties are there in the United States?
As of November 2023, there were 53 political parties that qualified for ballot access and 235 state-level parties. (What does this mean? The structure of political parties, explained)
Why aren’t there more political parties and candidates on the ballot?
Obtaining ballot access is complex and expensive, and the high price tag on political campaigns often limits how many candidates can procure ballot access.
Should more parties be included?
“Nearly half of younger adults say they wish there were more parties to choose from,” according to a 2022 poll from Pew Research (Center bias). Additionally, 27% of Americans have an unfavorable view of the Republican and Democratic parties. In a 2023 poll from Gallup (Center bias), support for a third U.S. political party grew to 63%.
Not everyone agrees. Some see third-party candidates as “doomed to failure and play the role of spoiler rather than viable option.”
Presidential Primaries / Candidate Nomination Process
Each political party establishes their own candidate nomination process and must also abide by the laws in each state.
The Republican and Democrat parties host primary elections in each state to nominate their candidate. Some states have “open primaries” where registered Independents and members of other political parties may participate in the nomination of candidates.
In many states, third-party groups conduct their own primaries or nomination processes.
The Libertarian Party and Green Party for example, elect delegates at the state level to vote for the presidential candidate at their National Convention. This year, the Libertarian Party National Convention took place from May 23-26. The Green Party National Convention takes place July 11-14.
Which presidential candidates will appear on your ballot?
This will vary depending on your individual states ballot access laws, and the status of each political party in your state.
The following candidates are ballot-qualified in at least 5 states:
- Chase Oliver | Libertarian Party: 37 states
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. | Unaffiliated / American Independent Party: 34 states
- Jill Stein: | Presumed Green Party: 22 states
- Randall Allan Terry | Constitution Party: 13 states
- Cornel West | Unaffiliated: 10 States
* The No Labels Party is qualified for ballot access in 19 states, but chose not to run a presidential candidate.
Krystal Woodworth is the Operations and Growth Specialist. She is the former Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Maryland, and has a Center bias.
This blog was reviewed and edited by Editor-in-chief Henry A. Brechter (Center bias), Johnathan Held News & Bias Assistant (Right bias), Content Intern Olivia Geno (Lean Right bias), and Content Intern Isabella Custard (Lean Right bias)
Update 07/30/24 3:10pm ET: Updated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ballot access numbers and map to include Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, and West Virginia.
Update 08/03/24 9:25pm ET: Updated Cornel West ballot access numbers and map to include Mississippi, Vermont, and Maine. Removed North Carolina due to ballot access challenges.
