Is the US going to have a third presidential candidate?

On Friday, the centrist group No Labels announced its intention to proceed with the nomination of a presidential ticket, potentially introducing another complicating element to the November election. The group’s leaders revealed this plan following an online meeting of its members, during which approximately 800 delegates voted “near unanimously” in favour of the nomination. Despite the decisive vote, No Labels has not disclosed the candidate who might run on its ballot line. Several prominent politicians the group has approached have already declined the opportunity to pursue a presidential candidacy on a third-party ticket.

The announcement took place during a critical juncture for No Labels, considering the impending state deadlines for ballot access in the November election. The group faced the urgent need to make swift decisions about initiating a third-party bid and selecting its ticket.

The Democrats fear No Labels can take votes from Biden

The transformation of No Labels from a bipartisan, think tank-like organization to a potential third party with presidential aspirations has raised concerns among many Democrats. They fear that the group could take crucial votes away from President Biden, especially in battleground states. They said this is an experiment for millions of Americans and any candidates who join the No Labels presidential ticket will be complicit in making it easier for Donald Trump and MAGA extremists to win a second term in the White House.

The operations of No Labels have been shrouded in secrecy. While technically classified as a nonprofit social welfare organization rather than a political party, it is not obligated to disclose its donors or provide details about its activities. Last year, the group’s leaders aimed to raise $70 million for ballot access efforts. Initially planning a national convention in Dallas for April, that idea has since been discarded.

The process of selecting the ticket is unknown

It is expected that No Labels’ delegates will vote on a ticket chosen by the group’s leaders, according to individuals involved with the organization.

The process by which No Labels would select a ticket remains unclear. Despite claiming to have 800 “delegates” across all 50 states who would play a role in the candidate selection, their identities have not been disclosed, and the number has not been independently verified.

Leaders of No Labels have stated their intention to nominate a ticket if President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump become the main parties’ nominees, a scenario that seems increasingly likely. The group envisions a “unity ticket” with a Republican presidential candidate and a Democratic running mate. However, No Labels is facing a shortage of potential contenders.

As recently as January, the group was actively pursuing or considering well-known current and former politicians, such as Jon Huntsman Jr., the Republican former governor of Utah, Larry Hogan, the Republican former governor of Maryland, and Senator Joe Manchin III, the conservative West Virginia Democrat. However, by February, Hogan had announced his Senate candidacy for Maryland, and a week later, Manchin ruled out a presidential run, stating, “I will not be seeking a third-party run.”

Another challenge for No Labels is its limited presence on the ballot, being listed in just 14 states as of January. Although the group claimed to be “active” in more than a dozen other states, it faces the task of gathering signatures and filing for ballot access.