No Labels, a centrist group, has decided not to field a presidential ticket for the 2024 election after failing to recruit a candidate, according to its leader, Nancy Jacobson. The group had raised $60 million last year for a bipartisan “unity ticket” but faced rejections from prominent Republicans and Democrats in recent months. It had hoped to offer a candidate if President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump were the main party nominees.
“Today, No Labels is ending our effort to put forth a Unity ticket in the 2024 presidential election,” Ms. Jacobson said. “Americans remain open to an independent presidential run, but we could not identify candidates with a credible path to victory.”
The Wall Street Journal reported the group’s decision to forgo a presidential campaign.
The absence of a No Labels campaign reduces the number of outsider candidates in the presidential field, which includes several independent and third-party candidates.
Democratic allies of President Biden had worked to undermine No Labels, which they saw as a threat to his re-election. They pressured potential candidates not to accept the group’s nomination. The focus of their attacks has now shifted to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running an independent campaign for president.
No Labels had tried to recruit moderate Republican politicians, but those efforts also faced challenges. With the death of former Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, a key supporter, and rejections from other prominent figures, the group struggled to find viable candidates.
Former Representative Tom Davis of Virginia, a co-founder of No Labels, expressed the difficulties faced by potential candidates considering running on the group’s ticket. Some declined due to pressure not to “help elect Trump.”
No Labels was on the ballot in 21 states but faced upcoming deadlines for access to state ballots. Efforts to recruit Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, and others were unsuccessful. Prospective recruits cited concerns about inadvertently aiding Trump’s re-election as reasons for declining.
The decision by No Labels not to field a presidential ticket in 2024 reflects the challenges faced by centrist and independent groups in a polarized political landscape. Despite the group’s efforts to promote unity and common sense, the lack of viable candidates led to its withdrawal from the election race.