Former Republican congressman Will Hurd has not ruled out the possibility of running as a third-party candidate in the upcoming presidential election to challenge the re-election of Donald Trump. Hurd, who identifies as a moderate, mentioned the potential of a third-party run during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press. He referred to the organization No Labels, which proposes a unity ticket as an alternative to the candidates put forth by the two major parties.
Advocates of No Labels highlight polling data indicating that a significant portion of Americans hold centrist views and desire moderate political candidates. However, critics argue that third-party candidates historically face challenges due to the Electoral College system, which often hinders their success. Many opponents of the No Labels movement express concerns that a third-party bid would ultimately benefit former President Trump’s chances of securing another term in office.
During the interview, Hurd acknowledged the possibility of a third-party candidate winning and did not rule out the option for himself. Nevertheless, he echoed the concerns raised by critics of No Labels and emphasized his reluctance to support anything that might contribute to Trump’s return to the presidency.
Hurd’s current focus is on reaching out to people across the country and promoting the idea of implementing common sense in complex times. He believes that recognizing the importance of unity and collaboration is the best way to solve problems. Hurd is actively encouraging supporters to visit his website, HurdforAmerica.com, to help him secure a place on the debate stage.
When asked about his thoughts on the No Labels movement, Hurd referred to his previous experience as a congressman. He had been a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, an organization affiliated with No Labels. The caucus aims to include an equal number of Democrats and Republicans in its membership and strives to collaborate on bipartisan legislation.
While Hurd acknowledges that a third-party candidate could potentially win in the United States, he believes the primary elections are the crucial mechanism for removing Trump from office. Hurd emphasizes the importance of Republicans nominating a candidate who can secure electoral victory in the general election rather than attempting to oust President Joe Biden through impeachment.
In assessing the possibility of a third-party run, Hurd draws inspiration from the examples of French President Emmanuel Macron and Mexican President Andres López Obrador. Both leaders succeeded as third-party candidates in their respective countries.
As the 2024 presidential election looms, Hurd’s consideration of a potential third-party run contributes to the ongoing debate surrounding the role of alternative candidates and the desire for political moderation in the United States.
