No Biden on the New Hampshire Presidential Primary Ballot, Featuring 24 Republicans and 21 Democrats

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The window for filing as a presidential candidate in the New Hampshire primary has officially closed, as confirmed by the state’s secretary of state’s office. This marks the conclusion of a notably high-profile and eventful registration period.

Two weeks before withdrawing his candidacy, former Vice President Mike Pence was uniquely spotlighted by his own studio lighting as he enrolled for the unscheduled Republican race to be held next year. Conversely, former President Donald Trump’s team removed reserved markers for local media, prioritizing his campaign’s photographer.

Interestingly, President Joe Biden opted not to register for the Democratic primary, citing ongoing changes to the nominating calendar by the Democratic National Committee. Instead, Biden will focus on a write-in campaign. Despite this, the Democratic side will not lack options. U.S. Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota declared his candidacy and registered on the last day of the filing period, while self-help author Marianne Williamson submitted her paperwork on October 12.

The finalized candidate list includes 21 Democrats and 24 Republicans, a rather standard number for New Hampshire, a state with one legislator for every 3,400 residents. For context, the 2020 primary featured 33 Democratic and 17 Republican candidates. The record was set in 1992 when 61 candidates appeared on the ballot.

To qualify for the New Hampshire presidential primary ballot, a candidate need only submit a Declaration of Candidacy and pay a filing fee of $1,000, resulting in a typically crowded field. Secretary of State David Scanlan remarked, “New Hampshire serves as a platform where lesser-known candidates can attempt to realize their presidential ambitions.”

The diverse roster of candidates includes Republican Rachel Swift, who promotes a platform that includes the legalization of marijuana and prostitution, along with reengineering Ford Focus cars to last 30 years and a million miles. On the Democratic side, Terissa Bukovinac aims to give prominence to pro-life Democrats, advocating the prohibition of abortion.

The Republican ballot will also feature six other candidates who recently qualified for the latest debate: North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and business entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

For over a century, New Hampshire has maintained its status as the host of the nation’s first presidential primary. This status is fortified by state law, which empowers the secretary of state to set the primary date at least a week before any similar event. In 2024, New Hampshire will contravene a new Democratic primary calendar, led by South Carolina on February 3 and followed by Nevada three days later.

This change, initiated at President Biden’s behest, aims to give greater voice to Black and minority voters. However, Secretary of State Scanlan argues that no state perfectly mirrors the national demographic landscape. New Hampshire merits its primary position for a variety of reasons, including its politically balanced electorate, modest geographical size, and engaged voter base, he said.

“Regardless of whether a candidate is currently or formerly the President or even a lesser-known contender, they will be treated with respect and courtesy by New Hampshire voters,” added Scanlan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about New Hampshire presidential primary

More about New Hampshire presidential primary

• New Hampshire Secretary of State: Official Filing Information
• Democratic National Committee: Changes to the 2024 Nominating Calendar
• List of Candidates for New Hampshire 2024 Primary
• Historical Overview of New Hampshire Primaries
• New Hampshire State Law on Presidential Primaries
• South Carolina’s New Role in the 2024 Democratic Primary
• Nevada’s Position in the 2024 Democratic Primary Schedule
• Profile of Lesser-Known Candidates in the New Hampshire Primary
• Voter Turnout Statistics in New Hampshire Primaries