Introduction to the 2020 Presidential Race
The 2020 United States presidential election featured a large and diverse field of candidates seeking their party's nomination and ultimately the presidency. This listicle provides a clear, organized overview of the most prominent candidates who appeared on presidential election ballots in 2020, covering major party nominees, notable third-party and independent challengers, and their official ballot designations. Our goal is to deliver a durable reference focused on verified candidate information, electoral outcomes, and jurisdictional presence.
Major Party Nominees
The two major parties nominated their candidates through contested primaries and caucuses. These nominees went on to compete in the November general election, with their names printed on ballots in all states and territories. The major party candidates represented the most visible and well-funded campaigns in the 2020 cycle. Their platforms, fundraising advantages, and ballot access were distinct from smaller party candidates.
| Candidate | Party | Ballot Status | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joseph R. Biden Jr. | Democratic Party | Ballot winner (Electoral College) | 490 electoral votes; defeated incumbent president |
| Donald J. Trump | Republican Party | Incumbent on ballot | 232 electoral votes; lost reelection |
| Jo Jorgensen | Libertarian Party | Third-party nominee | 1.2% popular vote |
| Howie Hawkins | Green Party | Third-party nominee | 0.3% popular vote |
Notable Third-Party and Independent Candidates
In addition to the major party tickets, 2020 featured several third-party and independent campaigns seeking ballot access in at least one state. These candidacies reflected a range of policy perspectives and strategies for reaching voters outside the two-party system. Ballot access varied significantly, with some candidates appearing only in a handful of states and others achieving nationwide placement. This section highlights the most visible third-party and independent efforts on the 2020 general election ballot.
Libertarian Party Nominee
Jo Jorgensen was the Libertarian Party's 2020 presidential nominee, with Spike Cohen as her running mate. The ticket pursued a ballot line in multiple states and emphasized limited government, civil liberties, and drug policy reform. Jorgensen had prior experience as a candidate and party activist, and the campaign focused on messaging to disaffected voters from both major parties.
Green Party Nominee
Howie Hawkins was the Green Party's nominee, running alongside Angela Walker. The campaign built on the party's traditional focus on ecological policy, social justice, and labor rights. Hawkins appeared on ballots in several states and participated in third-party presidential debates. Compared to major party candidates, the Green ticket secured a smaller share of the vote but sought to expand the policy debate.
Independent and Other Designations
Various independents and candidates from minor parties or designations filed in select states, sometimes with limited resources or ballot presence restricted to a single jurisdiction. While none held serious path to the Electoral College, these candidacies offered alternative policy positions and fulfilled state-specific ballot access requirements. The listing below summarizes independent and minor-party entries on at least one state general election ballot in 2020.
- Alliance Party — nominated Roque De La Fuente III and Gloria La Riva in select states.
- American Solidarity Party — nominated Brian T. Carroll in a limited number of states.
- Write-in campaigns — numerous individuals appeared on ballots via write-in processes in multiple states.
Key Ballot Access Notes
Ballot access laws vary by state, which determines whether a candidate can appear on the general election ballot without undergoing the standard primary process. In 2020, some third-party candidates qualified by petition, while others leveraged existing party ballot lines. The major party nominees automatically qualified in all states, though some opted out of certain state ballots due to strategic or administrative considerations.
Post-Election Context and Usage Notes
By early November 2020, all major and most third-party candidates had been confirmed on their respective state ballots. Official results were certified by states in the weeks following Election Day, and the Electoral College formally voted in December. This listicle is intended as an enduring reference for understanding who appeared on the 2020 presidential ballot, rather than commentary on the political narratives of the cycle.
FAQ
Reader questions
Were there more candidates on the ballot than those listed here?
Yes. In addition to those detailed above, a handful of candidates appeared on ballots in only one or two states. The table and lists above focus on the most visible national or near-national candidacies.
What determines whether a candidate appears on the general election ballot?
Each state sets its own rules for ballot access, typically based on petition signatures, party nomination, or prior vote thresholds. In 2020, most general election candidates qualified through one of these state-specific pathways or as major party nominees.
Do write-in votes meaningfully affect presidential elections?
Write-in votes rarely change the outcome of a presidential race but can reflect voter sentiment and occasionally influence state certification or record-keeping. No 2020 write-in candidate flipped any state's result.
Can third-party candidates affect the Electoral College outcome?
Historically, third-party candidates have not won Electoral College votes, though they can draw votes in key states. In 2020, none held a serious path to denying either major nominee the necessary threshold of 270 electors.
Is this list updated for future cycles?
No. This entry reflects the verified candidates who appeared on the 2020 general election ballot and is presented as an evergreen overview for reference and research purposes.