Democrat Marianne Williamson has announced her plans to run for president in 2024, becoming the first challenger to President Joe Biden from his own party.
Williamson made the announcement on Thursday, saying that she would run if Biden seeks reelection.
#BREAKING @MarWilliamson confirms 2024 presidential run against @POTUS Biden https://t.co/QFrEwDPpPC
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) February 23, 2023
The announcement
When asked if she was running, Williamson said, “We’re on the phone, but if we were on FaceTime, you’d see me wink.”
“I wouldn’t be running for president if I didn’t believe I could contribute to harnessing the collective sensibility that I feel is our greatest hope at this time,” she added.
“People who run the government are divided into two categories: those who either don’t care to fix it or do not have the spine to fix it,” Williamson said. “Neither category should be running this country.”
WILLIAMSON CONFIRMS PRESIDENTIAL RUN IN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, BECOMING FIRST PROMINENT DEMOCRAT IN 2024 RACE (Brenna… https://t.co/lNjHa2KXSE pic.twitter.com/OMdRMi4ckQ
— Management Impact Solutions Consulting (@MiExecSearch) February 24, 2023
Adding to the contenders
“Her announcement comes as prominent Democrats rally around Biden, with many promising to endorse him should he seek reelection in the next few weeks,” the Washington Examiner reported.
“Several notable Republicans have recently tossed their hats into the ring for the 2024 nomination, including former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former President Donald Trump, and tech billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy,” it added.
Republican candidates for the 2024 presidential election are starting to spend more time in Iowa. 🇺🇸 #IowaCaucuses https://t.co/pPqX2ISSi5
— Iowa Faith & Freedom (@IowaFaith) February 20, 2023
Though still early, a growing number of candidates are beginning to visit Iowa, the traditional home of the first presidential primary. In addition to Trump announcing his Iowa staff, several GOP contenders have visited or soon will.
“Former Vice President Mike Pence was in the state last week. Today, former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley is campaigning in Iowa. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Iowa several times last year,” iHeart radio reported.
“He says he’ll make a decision about running for the White House within a few months. U-S Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, who is also considering running for the GOP nomination, will make an appearance at Drake University in Des Moines Wednesday,” it added.
The news from Williamson adds more drama to Democrats, leading to questions of whether others contenders could join her in an upset to Biden in the primary.