US Presidential elections 24: All the candidates still running

The former president, Donald Trump despite facing controversy and criminal charges is popular among the republicans. Though impeached twice, he claims to be the "most pro-life president" and appointed conservative judges leading to the reversal of Roe v. Wade. In 2019, he signed criminal justice reforms. Facing 91 felony counts across multiple cases, including falsifying business records and attempting to overturn the 2020 election, he remains a divisive figure in American politics. (AFP photo)

Florida Governor DeSantis officially launched his 2024 presidential campaign on May 24. Emphasizing Florida as a conservative stronghold, he aims to bring his state's policies to the national stage. DeSantis gained attention for clashing with Disney over the "Don’t Say Gay" law, prohibiting LGBTQ instruction in Florida public schools. His governorship implemented a six-week abortion ban and restricted public colleges from using government funds for diversity programs. (AP photo)

The former United Nations ambassador and South Carolina governor Nikki Haley emerged as the first prominent GOP contender against Trump, launching her campaign on Feb. 15 in Charleston. As the sole woman in the Republican field, she initially expressed reluctance to challenge her former boss, but changed her stance, citing economic challenges and the call for "generational change" in reference to Trump's age of 77. (AP photo)

The affluent biotech entrepreneur and author of "Woke, Inc.", Vivek Ramaswamy launched his presidential campaign on Feb. 21 through a video and op-ed. As the son of Indian immigrants, he has garnered prominence in conservative circles by critiquing the environmental, social, and corporate governance movement focused on socially responsible investing. He has primarily self-funded his campaign. (AP photo)

The former two-term New Jersey governor Chris Christies launched his presidential campaign taking a direct aim at Trump. In his announcement, he referred to the former president as a "lonely, self-consumed, self-serving mirror hog" and positioned himself as the candidate who can stop Trump. Christie, a former 2016 presidential candidate and Trump adviser, stated that he is unafraid to challenge the former president, citing both a sense of deserving criticism and a strategic approach to winning. (AP photo)

The former two-term Arkansas governor initiated his presidential campaign on April 26 in Bentonville. Pledging to "bring out the best of America" and advocating for the reform of federal law enforcement agencies, he announced his candidacy shortly after Trump was indicted by a grand jury in New York. He has called for the former president to withdraw from the race. However, Hutchinson failed to qualify for the 3rd Republicans debate. (AP photo)

The two-term North Dakota governor declared his candidacy on June 7 in Fargo. A former computer software entrepreneur, he is relatively unknown outside his home state. However, he positions himself as a commonsense, rural-state conservative with expertise in energy policy. Burman also failed to qualify for the 3rd Republican debate. (AP photo)

President Biden, the oldest in US history, announced his reelection campaign, citing the need to "finish this job." Critics question his effectiveness at the age of 86 by the end of second term, if re-elected but he's expected to secure the nomination. Biden plans to highlight his pandemic response, the bipartisan infrastructure package, and legislative efforts on high-tech manufacturing and climate measures, pledging to "restore the soul of America." (AP photo)

Marianne Williamson, a self-help author, entered the Democratic primary in Washington on March 4, emphasizing a vision of justice and love to counteract hatred and injustice. In her 2020 (unsuccessful) presidential campaign, she advocated for the establishment of a Department of Peace and suggested that the federal government should provide substantial financial reparations to address the historical impact of slavery and discrimination on Black Americans. (AP photo)

Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips is the first elected Democrat to challenge President Biden for the nomination. Despite expressing admiration for Biden, Phillips argues that Democrats need younger voices to prevent a scenario where Trump secures another election victory. Phillips, aged 54, is among the wealthiest members of Congress and inherits the Phillips Distilling Company empire. He previously served as the company's president and ran the gelato maker Talenti. (AP photo)

On October 9, the bestselling author and environmental lawyer, nephew of President John F. Kennedy and son of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr ended his Democratic presidential campaign, opting for an independent run. He now aims to be a spoiler candidate for both Biden and Trump. Notably, he's become a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement, drawing criticism from public health experts and even his own family. He's also been associated with far-right figures in recent years. (Reuters photo)

Jill Stein, the environmental activist known for her 2016 third-party presidential bid, has declared her intention to run for president again under the Green Party in the upcoming election. She attributes her candidacy to providing an alternative outside the perceived failed two-party system. In 2016, she garnered about 1% of the vote and was criticized by some Democrats who believed her campaign diverted votes from Hillary Clinton, potentially affecting swing states like Wisconsin. (AP photo)

Activist and scholar Cornel West expressed his goal to challenge the influence of the ruling class and promote true democracy, emphasizing the need to break away from the dominance of the two-party system and empower the people. Originally announcing his candidacy in June as a member of The People's Party, West later transitioned to the Green Party before ultimately opting for an independent run. (Photo: Cornel West's official X handle)