Introduction

With the 2024 United States presidential election just weeks away, the nation braces for a high-stakes showdown between the Republican and Democratic nominees.

Running as the Democratic presidential nominee is Vice President Kamala Harris. After receiving a law degree at Hastings College, Harris worked as a deputy district attorney in Oakland. She eventually became the attorney general of California in 2010, followed by her election to the U.S. Senate in 2016. In 2020, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. selected Harris as his running mate, making her the first woman of color to serve as vice president.

Running as the Republican presidential nominee is former President Donald J. Trump. Trump had minimal involvement in government or the military before being elected in 2016, but he was a businessman and former reality TV show host. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Since losing the 2020 election, Trump has been impeached twice and was convicted of 34 felony charges in 2024. However, he argues the jury improperly saw evidence of his official acts as president.

In addition to the two major parties are three independent, third-party candidates: Jill Stein, Chase Oliver and Cornel West.

Voters will face critical decisions on issues including the economy, foreign policy, immigration, and abortion in what promises to be one of the most consequential elections in recent history.