As election night approaches, here’s a look at the candidates on the Democratic and Republican tickets vying for the presidency.
Kamala Harris, the Democratic Presidential Candidate
Vice President Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee for president. Born to immigrant parents from India and Jamaica, Harris grew up in Oakland, California, and rose through the political ranks in the Bay Area. Her career began as the San Francisco district attorney in 2004, followed by a term as California’s attorney general. Harris then represented California in the Senate before being selected as Joe Biden’s vice presidential running mate in 2020. After Biden withdrew from the 2024 race, he endorsed Harris, who became the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major party ticket.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Joins Harris as Vice Presidential Nominee
Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Walz previously served in Congress, representing Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District starting in 2007. Before his political career, he was a high school geography teacher, assistant football coach, and a member of the Army National Guard. Since 2019, he has been Minnesota’s governor, bringing executive and military experience to the Democratic ticket.
Donald Trump Aims for a Second Nonconsecutive Term as GOP Presidential Candidate
Former President Donald Trump is once again the Republican nominee, seeking to become the second president in U.S. history to serve two nonconsecutive terms. Trump, a New York native, holds a degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Before his first presidential run in 2016, he built a career as a real estate developer, businessman, and reality TV personality on “The Apprentice.” His campaign emphasizes a return to the policies he pursued during his first term.
Ohio Senator JD Vance Joins Trump as the Republican Vice Presidential Nominee
Ohio Senator JD Vance is Trump’s vice presidential pick. Known for his memoir Hillbilly Elegy, which reflects on his experiences in the white, working-class community, Vance brings both personal and professional insights to the ticket. A Yale Law School graduate and former Marine, Vance worked as a venture capitalist before winning his Senate seat in 2023, fending off a tough challenge from Democrat Tim Ryan to keep it under GOP control.
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