On November 8, 2016 there will be an election for the next President of the United States. That’s still well over a year away, yet the news and media have already been buzzing nonstop about the candidates, major issues, and predicted outcomes. This will be my first presidential election as a voter, and I’m sure it is for many other millennials as well. So, in order to get you acquainted with the various men and women who are seeking their party’s nomination, here’s a list of all the declared candidates and how they announced their candidacy. Read it. Learn it. And in 16 months, DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!
Democrats:
1. Hillary Clinton – Former Secretary of State under Obama administration - “I’m running for president,” Mrs. Clinton said in a viral video. (Announced April 12.)
2. Bernie Sanders – Senator of Vermont - “After a year of travel, discussion and dialogue, I have decided to be a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president.” (Announced April 30.)
3. Jim Webb – Former Senator of Virginia - “We need a President who understands leadership, who has a proven record of actual accomplishments, who can bring about bipartisan solutions, who can bring people from both sides of the table to get things done.” (Announced July 2.)
4. Martin O’Malley – Former Governor of Maryland - “We must save our country now. And we will do that by rebuilding the dream.” (Announced May 30.)
5. Lincoln Chafee – Former Governor of Rhode Island - “Today, I am formally entering the race for the Democratic nomination for president.” (Announced June 3.)
Republicans:
1. Jeb Bush – Former Governor of Florida -“I will take nothing and no one for granted. I will run with heart. I will run to win." (Announced June 15.)
2. Ted Cruz – Senator of Texas - Mr. Cruz posted on Twitter, “I’m running for President and I hope to earn your support!” (Announced March 23.)
3. Chris Christie – Governor of New Jersey - “We need to have strength and decision-making and authority back in the oval office and that is why today I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Republican nomination for President of the United States of America.” (Announced June 30.)
4. Ben Carson – Retired Neurosurgeon - “I’m announcing my candidacy for president of the United States.” (Announced May 4.)
5. Mike Huckabee – Senator of South Carolina - Former Governor of Arkansas - “I announce that I am a candidate for president of the United States of America.” (Announced May 5.)
6. Marco Rubio – Senator of Florida - Mr. Rubio announced his candidacy in a call to donors on April 13. (Announced April 13.)
7. Rand Paul – Senator of Kentucky - “I am running for president to return our country to the principles of liberty and limited government,” Mr. Paul wrote on his website. (Announced April 7.)
8. Carly Fiorina – Former Business Executive - “I think I’m the best person for the job because I understand how the economy actually works.” (Announced May 4.)
9. Lindsey Graham - Senator of South Carolina - “I want to be president to protect our nation that we all love so much from all threats foreign and domestic.” (Announced June 1.)
10. Bobby Jindal – Governor of Louisiana - Mr. Jindal announced on Wednesday that he is running for president. (Announced June 24.)
11. George Pataki – Former Governor of New York - “I am a candidate for the Republican nomination for president of the United States.” (Announced May 28.)
12. Rick Perry – Former Governor of Texas - “I am running for the presidency of the United States of America.” (Announced June 4.)
13. Rick Santorum – Former Senator of Pennsylvania - Mr. Santorum wrote in a tweet, “Today I announce my candidacy for President of the United States!” (Announced May 27.)
14. Donald Trump – Real Estate Mogul - “Ladies and gentleman, I am officially running for president of the United States.” (Announced June 16.)
15. Scott Walker - Governor of Wisconsin - “We need new, fresh leadership, leadership with big, bold ideas from outside of Washington.” (Announced July 30.)
Obviously, in the next few months, who knows who else will step into the race. Especially with the rate the Republicans are going. But, come the primaries, there will only be two people, two faces and two campaigns that could potentially be our next leader. Until then, it's our job as eligible voters and educated youth to stay in the know of important campaign moves, candidates and issues to eventually make an educated vote. GO P.O.T.U.S!
