No Labels, a centrist group, had been working towards launching a bipartisan, third-party 2024 presidential ticket, but announced that they are giving up their efforts. The organization stated that they would only offer their ballot line to a ticket if they could identify candidates with a credible path to winning the White House, but none emerged. This decision to stand down comes after the death of former Sen. Joe Lieberman, a No Labels founding co-chair who had been a key player in the group’s recruitment efforts. Lieberman had been a strong advocate for a third-party ticket and had emphasized that Americans were not enthusiastic about a 2024 rematch between President Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Former Republican Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, along with other high-profile politicians such as former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, and moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, declined to join a potential bipartisan ticket with No Labels. There was speculation that former U.N. ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who was a 2024 GOP presidential nomination rival to Trump, would consider running on a No Labels ticket, but she repeatedly turned down the opportunity. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, another critic of Trump, was also courted but ultimately did not join. The group also faced challenges from independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who is polling higher than any other third-party White House contender since Ross Perot over three decades ago.
Despite the setback, No Labels continues its mission of obtaining ballot access across the country and has officially qualified for the ballot in 21 states. The group remains committed to promoting unity and drawing attention to the need for another choice in politics. They pledge to stay engaged during what is expected to be a divisive presidential election and to continue advocating for dialogue around major policy challenges while holding both sides accountable when they act in bad faith. No Labels had previously announced the formation of a committee to vet contenders for the potential bipartisan ticket, with Lieberman stating that if candidates did not meet their high threshold, they would not offer their ballot line to anyone.
The announcement that No Labels is ending its effort to put forth a Unity ticket in the 2024 presidential election comes at a time when Americans are more open to an independent presidential run and are seeking unifying national leadership. The group’s decision reflects the challenges they faced in finding candidates with a credible path to winning the White House. Despite their setbacks, No Labels has sparked a national conversation on the need for alternatives in politics and continues to build momentum in pursuing big ideas that promote unity and give voice to America’s commonsense majority. Their decision to stand down does not mean the end of their efforts, as they remain committed to their mission of advocating for unity and a more inclusive political landscape.
