The 2024 presidential election is fast approaching, and while many expect a rematch between former president Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, as was seen in the 2020 election, others are looking at other possible 2024 candidates to support. With the upcoming election being the first time that many Maggie Walker students may vote, it is more important than ever to stay informed about the current political landscape in America.

Certain issues, like gun rights and immigration policy, still remain hot topics for debate, just as they were in 2020. However, the overturning of Roe v. Wade pushed the topic of abortion rights into the spotlight. Foreign affairs as well, have shifted their focus onto Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Other important issues for 2024 include government spending, LGBTQ-related issues, and education, with a focus on parents’ rights in the classroom and the controversy concerning the College Board.

As for battleground states during presidential elections, they have gradually shifted focus from Florida and Ohio to sunbelt states like Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia. Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin may also see some extra attention in candidates’ campaign strategies as we get closer to election day.

There are a number of announced campaigns for the next presidential election. To date, there are three Republicans and one Democrat that have officially stated their bid for president, although there are five speculated future candidates.

Former president Donald Trump announced his campaign for his third presidential run, this past November. He still holds his “America first” motto, with an emphasis on creating new jobs and prioritizing manufacturing in the US. Trump is continuing to support many of his political stances from 2020— supporting tax cuts on corporations, curbing immigration levels, as well as latching onto his conservative approach to LGBTQ rights. The former president has also been vocal about his pro-life beliefs towards abortion rights. Trump’s most significant advantage this coming election is how anti-Trump Republicans’ votes may be spread out among the rest of the Republican candidates.

The only woman to announce their running for president in the Republican Party is Nikki Haley. Haley is the former governor of South Carolina and former United Nations ambassador. She is the daughter of two Indian immigrants and frequently swaps between being in support of or against Republican figurehead Donald Trump. Nikki Haley has made foreign policy a primary focus in her campaign, indicating a desire for a more confrontational America, while criticizing President Joe Biden’s handling of affairs in Afghanistan, North Korea, Russia, and China. She has been calling for a “strong and proud, not weak and woke,” United States.

Another Republican candidate is newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy, a multimillionaire entrepreneur who has never held public office, but has found himself to be well known in his conservative circle. Ramaswamy describes himself as “anti-woke,” opposing corporate efforts that push more leftist values, including environmental protection initiatives. The newcomer’s biggest weakness is his lack of name recognition among the general public.

The only Democrat to have officially announced their bid for presidency is Marianne Williamson, who is running despite her rather unsuccessful 2020 campaign. Williamson is the former spiritual advisor to Oprah Winfrey, and labels herself as a progressive Democrat. In 2020 she called for the creation of a federal Department of Peace. Her political agenda includes increasing the federal minimum wage to $15/hour, tackling student loan debt, and addressing climate change. It is important to note that Williamson has been accused of promoting fake medical theories concerning mental illness.

There are several politicians who are expected to run as well, and Joe Biden’s campaign announcement is all but official. Republican Tim Scott, the only current black Republican senator, as well as Mike Pompeo, the former Secretary of State under Trump’s administration, and former Vice President Mike Pence are all speculated to be joining the race for 2024. Trump’s most competitive rival, though, may be Ron DeSantis.

Ron DeSantis, Florida’s current Republican governor, has yet to announce his campaign; however, he has made quite the name for himself as of late. DeSantis has described himself as “conservative in the Reagan tradition.” He is staunchly pro-life and sticks to his Christian ideals, opposing same-sex marriage. The Florida governor also desires to cut corporate taxes and has taken a stand against a carbon tax on corporations. DeSantis promotes parents’ control over their child’s education, and has recently made statements against College Board’s new Advanced Placement course, AP African American Studies, as he takes issue with parts of the curriculum such as Black Queer theory, arguing that the course is an “indoctrination” to a more liberal political agenda and ideology.

A lot remains up in the air for the United States’ next presidential election, but there is still time left for the race to actually begin. Until then, it is in everyone’s best interest to take note of what issues matter most to you, and who is working hard to address those issues in a manner that you see fit.