California Presidential Primary Ballot will Feature Candidates from Peace & Freedom, Libertarian, Green, and American Independent Parties

The California Secretary of State’s office published a list of “Generally Recognized Presidential Candidates” this past Friday. These candidates are slated to appear on the March 5, 2024, presidential primary ballot and stem from a total of six different political parties: the Republican, Democratic, Green, Libertarian, Peace and Freedom, and American Independent Parties.

Under the most recent version of California Election Code § 6000.1, a “generally advocated for or recognized candidate” is an individual with an authorized campaign committee registered with the Federal Election Commission for the purpose of seeking the presidency. Furthermore, such candidates must maintain a formal campaign website and submit a written request to the Secretary of State’s office for placement on the presidential primary ballot.

Additionally, recognized candidates must satisfy at least one of the following criteria as outlined in California Election Code:

• Provide proof of eligibility for FEC funding
• Demonstrate participation in a national presidential debate featuring at least two other candidates and meeting further specific state criteria
• Have their name listed on a primary or caucus ballot in another state or be selected on another state’s primary or caucus ballot

The primary ballot featuring the highest number of candidates is the Republican ballot, offering voters ten candidate choices, followed by the Democratic Party primary ballot with nine. The remaining six recognized candidates are spread across four emerging parties.

On the Peace and Freedom Party ballot, the third most contested primary ballot, there will be three names: Claudia De la Cruz, Jasmine Sherman, and Dr. Cornel West. 

Claudia De la Cruz, a theologian and proponent of “popular education” originally from the South Bronx, was announced as the presidential nominee for the Party for Socialism and Liberation this past September. Jasmine Sherman, a housing relief advocate in North Carolina, is seeking the nomination of the Green Party in other states. Dr. Cornel West, who initially declared his candidacy for the People’s Party nomination before switching to the Green Party, is now running as an independent candidate.

The remaining three party ballots each feature only a single candidate. The Libertarian Party ballot will list Dr. Charles Ballay, an otolaryngologist originally from Louisiana. 

The Green Party ballot will feature Dr. Jill Stein, the party’s nominee in 2012 and 2016, who entered the race following Cornel West’s departure from the Green Party earlier this year.

Lastly, the American Independent Party ballot will list James Bradley, a business advisor from Laguna Niguel, California, who is also running simultaneously as a Republican candidate for the United States Senate.

Readers of Independent Political Report can view the entire list of candidates here. With thanks to Richard Winger of Ballot Access News for originally locating the document issued by the California Secretary of State’s office.