Despite an economy that by many metrics is strong, the working class remains disenchanted with the state of their jobs and living conditions. Their frustrations contradict economists’ assertions of a booming economy that is benefitting all Americans.
Kamala Harris, a popular California senator, announced she would seek the Democratic nomination for president. She quickly accumulated enough delegates to clinch the party’s nomination before the start of the convention in August 2024.
By the end of January 2024, a dozen Republicans had dropped out of the race, leaving Trump as the clear front-runner in most states. Nikki Haley, who had served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under Trump (2017-18) and as governor of South Carolina (2011-17), briefly challenged him, but backed away after losing to him in the Republican primary caucuses and primaries held on Super Tuesday in February.
In the general election, the top two contenders are formally selected by their respective parties at national conventions in July and August. The party’s convention delegates will then cast their votes in a presidential and vice-presidential contests. Under current rules, each state’s 538 electoral votes go to the candidate who receives a majority of the statewide vote. In the event no candidate receives a majority, the House of Representatives selects the president from among its top three contenders; the Senate selects the vice president. The duly elected president and vice-president are sworn into office at noon on January 20, unless that day is a Sunday, in which case the inauguration is scheduled for January 21.