The upcoming election is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for American democracy. As voters prepare to head to the polls, the choice often feels limited to the established two-party system. However, it’s crucial for progressive voters to be aware of all the candidates and platforms available, especially those representing alternative visions for the future. This guide aims to provide a clear overview of the landscape, focusing on candidates who offer progressive alternatives and challenge the status quo.
The shadow of Donald Trump looms large over this election. His actions since the last presidential race, including inciting the January 6th insurrection, his felony convictions, and his embrace of white nationalist rhetoric, paint a stark picture of what a second term could entail. His administration’s agenda, known as Project 2025, signals a potential dismantling of civil rights and environmental protections. Progressive voters are acutely aware of the dangers of another Trump presidency, recalling the chaos and division of his first term, marked by a mishandled pandemic response, the separation of immigrant families, attempts to repeal healthcare, and the rollback of environmental safeguards. The Supreme Court appointments he made continue to impact American lives, most notably with the overturning of reproductive rights. Even his running mate, JD Vance, once criticized Trump as a “fraud,” highlighting the extremist nature of their current political alignment. For many, another Trump term is simply an unacceptable outcome.
But the ballot box offers more than just a binary choice. A diverse range of third-party candidates are stepping forward, presenting platforms that resonate with progressive values and address critical issues often overlooked by the mainstream. These candidates offer distinct approaches to key progressive concerns, such as climate change, social justice, economic equality, and foreign policy.
Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate, is a familiar name in presidential elections. Stepping in after Cornel West’s departure from the Green Party, she champions policies that go even further than the Green New Deal in tackling climate change. Her platform also includes a significant shift in American foreign policy, advocating for withdrawing support from Israel and Ukraine. Domestically, she proposes reforming the Supreme Court through term limits and expanding its size, alongside a commitment to free education from pre-K through college. For voters prioritizing aggressive climate action and a non-interventionist foreign policy, Stein offers a clear progressive option.
Cornel West, a renowned scholar and activist, is running as a Justice For All Party candidate. With running mate Professor Melina Abdullah, West’s campaign is particularly focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and criticizes Biden’s strong support for the Israeli military. His broader platform centers on justice, aiming to address historical injustices and build safer, more prosperous communities. West’s candidacy appeals to those seeking a platform deeply rooted in social and racial justice, and a more critical stance on US foreign policy in the Middle East.
Claudia De la Cruz, representing the Socialism and Liberation Party, brings an explicitly anti-capitalist perspective to the race. An educator, organizer, and theologian from the South Bronx, De la Cruz, alongside running mate Karina Garcia, a Chicana organizer and educator, advocates for radical changes to empower working people. Their platform includes nationalizing the top 100 largest US companies, drastically cutting the military budget by 90% to prioritize peace, ensuring reproductive freedom for all, demanding reparations for Black Americans, and criminalizing corporate lobbying. De la Cruz offers a socialist vision for voters seeking systemic change and a fundamental restructuring of American society.
Joseph Kishore, the national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party, along with Jerry White, represents a Trotskyist perspective. Kishore’s campaign focuses on mobilizing the global working class against what they see as late-stage capitalism. His platform is critical of US support for Israel in Gaza, warns against the rise of fascism within Trumpism, and advocates for nationalizing major corporations. Kishore’s candidacy provides a voice for voters concerned about global capitalism and the rise of right-wing extremism, advocating for international working-class solidarity.
While these candidates represent explicitly progressive platforms, the election also includes other third-party contenders who may attract voters from across the political spectrum.
Chase Oliver, the Libertarian candidate, represents a more moderate wing of the Libertarian party. Openly gay and running with Mike ter Maat, a former economist and “pro-reform” police officer, Oliver’s platform includes decriminalizing marijuana, withdrawing aid to Ukraine and Israel, streamlining citizenship, defending gun rights, and eliminating the Federal Reserve. While not strictly progressive on all issues, Oliver’s stance on social issues and foreign policy might appeal to some progressive voters disillusioned with the Democratic party’s centrism.
Rachele Fruit, from the Socialist Workers Party, presents a unique pro-Israel, pro-working class platform. Fruit believes that major parties are too capitalist and other socialist movements are insufficiently supportive of Israel. Her central campaign issue is defending Israel as a refuge for the Jewish diaspora and supports Prime Minister Netanyahu’s policies. Fruit’s single-issue focus and strong pro-Israel stance position her outside of typical progressive platforms but offer a different perspective within the broader socialist movement.
Krist Novoselić, the Nirvana bassist, formed the Cascade Party in Washington state as a centrist option. His party prioritizes protecting family farming, judicial reform involving voters, environmental conservation, and a hypercompetitive healthcare market. Novoselić’s centrist approach may appeal to voters seeking pragmatic solutions and a departure from partisan gridlock, though it may not fully align with core progressive values.
Finally, Shiva Ayyadurai, an Independent candidate known for anti-vaccine activism and controversial claims about inventing email, lacks a clear campaign platform. His past political stances suggest a misunderstanding of contemporary progressive priorities.
As progressive voters navigate this election, understanding the full spectrum of candidates and their platforms is essential. While the challenges posed by the major parties are significant, exploring these alternative voices can empower voters to make informed choices that truly reflect their values and vision for the future. This guide serves as a starting point for further research and engagement, encouraging progressive voters to look beyond the mainstream and consider the diverse options available on the ballot.
