No Labels, a centrist political group, announced that it is abandoning its effort to draft a third-party “unity” ticket for the 2024 presidential race due to the lack of candidates with a credible path to winning the White House. The organization had been working for months to gain ballot access in states across the country for potential candidates, including Joe Manchin and Larry Hogan, but ultimately made the decision to stand down. The group expressed concern about the division and strife gripping the country and pledged to continue championing and defending the values of America’s commonsense majority post-election.
Mike Rawlings, the convention chair of No Labels, had previously indicated that the group was moving ahead with its ballot efforts without specifying a deadline for announcing a candidate. The organization faced criticism from Democrats who feared that a third-party bid could potentially take away votes from President Biden and benefit former President Trump. Despite qualifying for the ballot in 21 states, far more than independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., No Labels ultimately decided to end its efforts. Progressives welcomed the news of No Labels’ decision to stand down, with MoveOn’s executive director calling on Kennedy Jr. to also see that a third-party candidacy is unlikely to be successful.
The decision by No Labels to abandon its third-party unity ticket for the 2024 presidential race was met with relief by many Americans who were concerned about the potential impact on the election. The organization’s efforts to identify candidates for the ticket, including Joe Manchin and Larry Hogan, did not yield candidates with a credible path to winning the White House, leading to the responsible course of action to stand down. No Labels had been working to gain ballot access in states across the country but ultimately decided to prioritize defending the values and interests of America’s commonsense majority post-election.
Despite previous suggestions that a candidate announcement could come in the spring, No Labels ultimately decided to end its efforts without naming a candidate for the 2024 presidential race. The organization attracted criticism from Democrats who feared that a third-party bid could divide the vote and potentially benefit former President Trump. Regardless, No Labels qualified for the ballot in 21 states, more than independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who only secured ballot access in one state. Progressives welcomed the news of No Labels’ decision, urging Kennedy Jr. to recognize the challenges of a third-party path to the presidency and focus on unifying efforts to prevent Trump from returning to the White House.
