Larry Elder Announces 2024 Campaign for Republican Presidential Nomination

Conservative radio host Larry Elder formally announced his campaign for the Republican 2024 presidential nomination Thursday night.

Key Quotes: In an interview with Fox News (Opinion rated Right) commentator Tucker Carlson, Elder said he wanted to focus on issues like crime and border security, and said it was a “disgraceful lie” that America was “systemically racist.” He also decried a “lack of fathers in the home,” saying the U.S. had incentivized “women to marry the government” and “men to abandon their financial and moral responsibility.” On Twitter, Elder wrote, “America is in decline, but this decline is not inevitable.  We can enter a new American Golden Age, but we must choose a leader who can bring us there. That’s why I’m running for President.”

For Context: Elder unsuccessfully ran to replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom in a 2021 recall election but was the top contender among replacement candidates. He enters a Republican primary dominated by former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has yet to announce a campaign. Other candidates include former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy; none received more than 5% support in a recent poll. 

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was common across the spectrum but was not featured particularly prominently. Headlines varied on labeling Elder a “radio host,” a “conservative radio host,” a “failed gubernatorial candidate,” or a “Republican who lost in California’s recall election.”