Conservative radio host Larry Elder has announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential race (Politico). Elder, who finished atop a field of challengers in the 2021 California gubernatorial recall election but ultimately lost to Governor Gavin Newsom, announced his bid on Thursday (The Washington Post).
Elder’s announcement joins a growing list of Republican candidates, including former President Donald Trump (Fox News). In his announcement, Elder highlighted the importance of law enforcement, the nuclear family, and giving back to the country (Fox News).
Elder’s background includes graduating from Brown University and hosting a conservative talk radio show (GoLocalProv). He ran for governor in California on a platform of lower taxes, smaller government, and reducing the state’s homeless population (The New York Times).
Despite losing the gubernatorial recall election, Elder’s popularity has remained strong among conservative voters, leading to his presidential bid announcement (NBC News). Elder stated that he had “a moral, religious and a patriotic duty to give back to a country that’s been so” (The New York Times).
Elder’s entry into the race may further divide the Republican Party, as some Trump supporters may view him as a threat to the former president’s potential candidacy (The Independent). However, Elder’s announcement may also provide an opportunity for the party to unite behind a new candidate (CNN).
As the 2024 presidential race continues to take shape, Elder’s candidacy will be closely watched by both Republican and Democratic voters alike.
