Washington— No Labels, the centrist political group, has announced that it is discontinuing its efforts to create a third-party "unity" ticket for the 2024 presidential race.
After months of working towards gaining ballot access for potential candidates across the country, the group stated that they would only pursue a ticket "if we could identify candidates with a credible path to winning the White House."
"No such candidates emerged, so the responsible course of action is for us to stand down," No Labels declared in a statement.
"Like many Americans, we are concerned that the division and strife gripping the country will reach a critical point after this election regardless of who wins," the statement continued. "Post-election, No Labels will be prepared to champion and defend the values and interests of America's commonsense majority."
Among the potential candidates previously considered for a No Labels ticket were Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, who is retiring from the Senate, and Larry Hogan, former Republican governor of Maryland. However, Hogan has since decided to run for the U.S. Senate in Maryland.
According to a recent statement by Mike Rawlings, the convention chair of No Labels, the group is proceeding with its ballot efforts without specifying a deadline for announcing a candidate.
Rawlings mentioned to CBS News that the announcement may not come next week, possibly in April, emphasizing the need to finalize the process before spring.
Despite qualifying for the ballot in 21 states, No Labels faced criticism from Democrats who were concerned that a third-party bid could detract votes from President Biden and benefit former President Donald Trump. On the other hand, independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has only been confirmed to have qualified in one state so far.
News of No Labels stepping back from its plans was met with approval from progressives.
