Campaigns for the White House kick off on Monday, February 15, with activities spanning Iowa and every state and territory in the United States. The lengthy primary schedule will unfold over months, leading to national nominating conventions where party delegates are finalized. The Republican gathering is planned for Milwaukee in mid-July, while the Democratic convention will take place in Chicago toward the end of August.
As is typical for a sitting president seeking another term, intra-party challenges are minimal. President Biden is pursuing re-election against two minor candidates, while the Conservative field in the race shows more unsettled dynamics. Former President Donald Trump maintains a clear polling lead, yet several other contenders are pressing to close the gap as voters head to the polls. Trump’s return to national politics remains a central factor, with a loyal base even as some rivals avoid direct clashes. This volatility—where momentum can shift quickly—defines a modern presidential contest.
Donald Trump. Former president, 77 years old
The controversial former president seeks a renewed mandate after impeachment proceedings and related legal challenges. He remains a dominant voice within the party, signaling a determined bid that emphasizes a tough, combative posture and a relentless focus on core supporters. In recent months he has faced multiple legal investigations and ongoing scrutiny across several cases. Yet, he has signaled that legal concerns will not derail his campaign and he continues to project confidence about his nomination chances.
Trump’s grip on the party appears strong in polling averages, where he often leads his rivals by a comfortable margin. He has reduced public debate appearances and maintains a direct, sometimes abrasive style that resonates with a large portion of the party base. His willingness to challenge rivals openly and frame the contest as a binary choice between his vision and the status quo reinforces his standing in the race.
Nikki Haley. Former Governor, 51 years old
Among the contenders, Haley stands out for broad public service experience. The daughter of Indian immigrants, she rose from a state legislature to become South Carolina’s governor, the youngest in the country at the time. Her tenure included roles such as Ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump era, highlighting a mix of constitutional experience and foreign policy exposure.
Haley presents herself as reform-minded and generation-forward with conservative credentials rooted in fiscal discipline, strict immigration policy, and a hawkish stance on foreign affairs. She positions herself as an alternative to Trump while aligning with certain enduring party traditions. Her campaign emphasizes practicality and readiness to advocate policy changes that strengthen national resilience and economic stability. Some observers note the need for broader name recognition as she competes with other candidates still shaping their messages for a diverse voter base.
Ron DeSantis. Former governor. 45 years
As the former governor of Florida, DeSantis has steered the state as a testing ground for conservative policies on deregulation, education, and social issues. His governance has been central to cultural and political debates, drawing support from backers who prize a combative, issue-focused approach. DeSantis has drawn on prior legislative experience as a congressman and a founder of a political group aligned with right-leaning activity in Washington.
Early in his campaign, DeSantis was viewed by many as a disciplined, steady alternative to Trump. Yet shifting dynamics and internal campaign challenges have affected his trajectory. Questions about charisma, voter connection, and campaign organization have complicated his path to broader momentum. His background includes immigrant roots on his father’s side and an upbringing that valued education; he later attended Yale and Harvard Law School, placing him within the political and academic elite.
Vivek Ramaswamy. Businessman, 38 years old
Ramaswamy, a biotechnology entrepreneur associated with Harvard and Yale, has emerged as a provocative, outspoken voice in conservative circles. Known for his critiques of what he calls woke ideology, he presents himself as a disruptor who grabs attention with bold, provocative messages and a willingness to challenge established narratives. His rise has been matched by rapid media exposure and a bestselling book outlining his vision for a robust, pragmatic America.
Ramaswamy has put forward ideas that some regard as controversial, including opposition to certain cultural movements and political narratives he argues undermine personal responsibility and economic freedom. While polling places him toward the middle of the field, his momentum signals a broader appetite among voters for fresh voices and novel policy proposals centered on innovation, competition, and a redefined approach to public life.
Asa Hutchinson. Former Governor, 73 years old
Hutchinson brings a long record of public service as a former governor who led a pragmatic, policy-focused administration. He is often described as the anti-Trump option within the field, advocating a return to traditional party values and a more measured, law-and-order approach. His campaign emphasizes governance, judicial norms, and the idea that steady leadership should guide the party back to its core principles. If he gains traction, he could influence the race by appealing to voters who crave unity and experienced leadership over partisan confrontation.
Biden and his Democratic rivals
On the Democratic side, Biden faces a mix of support and concern about the party’s direction and the country. National polls show reservations about the pace of change, inflation, and crime, with some Democratic voters uncertain about continuing with the incumbent. Still, the party leans toward contesting the primary field with patience and organizational strength rather than forcing an early leadership change. The current field features two lesser-known challengers who have not yet established a broad national footprint. One candidate is Marianne Williamson, a spiritual author who has pursued political ventures before, while the other is Dan Phillips, a Minnesota congressman linked to a prominent family business. Biden maintains a solid lead in most polling scenarios, but party dynamics remain fluid as the primaries unfold. [Citation: Election Analysis, 2024]