2024 is set to be a landmark year in U.S. politics, featuring a packed election calendar with significant presidential, congressional, and gubernatorial races.
By yourNEWS Media Staff
The 2024 election cycle in the United States is shaping up to be highly eventful, with numerous national and statewide races, including a heated presidential election. This cycle is further complicated by former President Donald Trump’s various trials amid his presidential campaign against incumbent Joe Biden.
Presidential Primaries
In the GOP primary, Trump leads with over a 50-point advantage, followed by figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and others, according to RealClearPolitics. Key early nominating states show Trump leading in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada. Iowa’s caucus on January 15 and New Hampshire’s primary on January 23 will kick off the season, followed by Nevada and South Carolina in early February.
The Democratic National Committee’s new calendar, influenced by Biden, has moved South Carolina’s primary to an earlier date, pushing back traditional early states like Iowa and New Hampshire. Iowa will release its presidential preferences on March 5, while New Hampshire has maintained its late January date, though Biden will not appear on its ballot.
General Election
For the general election, current polling suggests Trump is ahead of Biden nationally and in key battleground states. Third-party candidates, including independents like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Green Party candidate Jill Stein, are expected to influence the election dynamics.
Trump’s Trials
Trump faces trials in New York, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Georgia, stemming from charges including alleged election interference and mishandling classified documents. These trials are set to occur around key election dates, adding another layer of complexity to his campaign.
Congressional Races
In the Senate, Democrats are defending several vulnerable seats, with key primaries in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Montana, West Virginia, Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin. California’s Democratic primary is particularly competitive due to the late Senator Dianne Feinstein’s seat.
The House of Representatives will see all 435 seats contested. The GOP aims to capitalize on Democratic retirements and open seats in battleground districts. Key primaries are set in states like California, Virginia, and Michigan.
Gubernatorial Races
Eleven states, including Delaware, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia, will hold gubernatorial elections. These races feature a mix of incumbents seeking re-election and open seats, with primaries spread across several months.
The 2024 election year, marked by the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, promises to be highly consequential for the future of U.S. politics.