Declining Third-Party Offers: All The Brands Who Said No

No Labels had another high-profile recruit turn down their offer to be at the top of a presidential ticket as the third-party organization continues to search for a candidate in 2024.

The centrist political party believes that the rematch of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump gives it a golden opportunity to mount an effective third-party run.

But while the organization has had success getting itself on a handful of ballots, it still doesn’t have a standard bearer. Here is a look at some of the most attractive candidates No Labels has tried to recruit.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV)

One of the most well-known centrists in the United States, Manchin flirted with a possible third-party presidential run for months. His increasing rhetoric bashing Biden led many to believe he was laying the groundwork for his own presidential run with No Labels, an organization he had allied with. To the surprise of many, in February, Manchin announced he would not be running for president.

“I will not be seeking a third party run, I will not be involved in a presidential run,” Manchin said. “I will be involved in making sure that we secure a president who has the knowledge and has the passion and has the ability to bring this country together.”

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT)

As he grew more at odds with his party, Romney’s appeal to No Labels grew as well. The 2012 presidential candidate’s vocal opposition to Biden and Trump appeared to many to signal a possible run of his own, speculation ramped up when Manchin announced that Romney was his preferred running mate if he were to run.

While admitting he was flattered by Manchin’s comments, the Utah Republican shot down suggestions that he would run for president as a third-party candidate.

“Well, that’s really presumptuous,” Romney told Deseret News, referring to Manchin’s comments. “I would be the president. He would be my running mate. No, I’m not going to run for president. Certainly, I’m not running for vice president. But [Manchin is] kind to say that. We’re good friends.”

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie

Christie campaigned for the 2024 Republican ticket on an anti-Trump platform that failed to win over the Republican electorate. After dropping out as he was mired in low poll numbers, Christie maintained his image as the leading anti-Trump Republican in the presidential race. Looking to capitalize on this, he eyed the No Labels ticket.

Unfortunately for Christie, his unpopularity extended to the general public as well. An inquiry from his team discovered disappointing polling results, according to the Washington Post, leading to him ultimately deciding against a third-party run.

“I appreciate the encouragement I’ve gotten to pursue a third party candidacy,” Christie announced in a post on X. “I believe we need a country that once again feels like everyone has a stake in what we’re doing and leadership that strives to bring people together, instead of using anger to divide us. While I believe this is a conversation that needs to be had with the American people, I also believe that if there is not a pathway to win and if my candidacy in any way, shape or form would help Donald Trump become president again, then it is not the way forward.”

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley

Haley ran the longest and most prominent presidential campaign against Trump, only dropping out earlier this month following dismal primary results, winning only the Washington, D.C., and Vermont primaries. Her attraction to centrist voters piqued the interest of No Labels, causing former No Labels co-chairman Joe Lieberman to float her as a possible candidate.

Haley was quick to shoot the speculation down.

“I’m a Republican. You go on a No Labels ticket, what does that mean? A Democrat vice president,” she told Deseret News. “That’s not who I am. I’m a conservative. I’ve always been a hardcore Republican. I think that this is about the party and this is about the country, and the only way to do it is to do it the right way.”

Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan

Hogan stoked speculation after stepping down as chairman of No Labels, a position he held for three years. He openly toyed with the possibility of running for president as the party’s candidate, saying that he wouldn’t rule it out last year.

However, he ended speculation last month when he instead opted to run for Maryland‘s open Senate seat.

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Despite the setback, No Labels praised his decision.

“It’s never been clearer Washington needs more bipartisan problem solvers, and Gov. Hogan has an unmatched track record of delivering commonsense leadership,” the group said.