Marianne Williamson, the author and speaker who ran for president in 2020, has announced the suspension of her 2024 presidential campaign following the Nevada primary results. Williamson received just 3% of the vote, placing a distant third behind President Joe Biden, who received 89%, and the option “none of these candidates,” which took 6%. This decision comes after a challenging start to the primary season for Williamson, with a lack of momentum and resources following the New Hampshire primary. However, she did surpass Minnesota Rep. Dean Philips in the South Carolina Democratic primary.
Williamson officially entered the race on February 26, 2023, becoming the first person to challenge President Biden for the Democratic nomination. She made her announcement at Union Station in Washington, D.C., highlighting the need to create a vision of justice and love that could overcome hatred, injustice, and fear. Throughout her campaign, Williamson focused on progressive platforms such as an overhauled economic system with an economic Bill of Rights, the establishment of a Department of Peace and a Department of Children and Youth, and reforms in housing, drug, and crime policies.
New Hampshire played a significant role in Williamson’s campaign strategy, with over 200 events held across 300 towns in the state. However, despite her efforts, she received only 4% of the vote behind Dean Philips’ 20% and Biden’s 66%. Williamson invested heavily in New Hampshire as a state that could propel her candidacy into the mainstream. In the days leading up to the primary, she participated in over 85 events within a month.
In an interview with ABC News before the New Hampshire primary, Williamson expressed concerns about her campaign’s financial resources. Recent filings with the Federal Election Commission revealed that Williamson’s campaign ended 2023 with debts exceeding her available cash by nearly $400,000. She acknowledged that if her campaign didn’t gain traction after New Hampshire, she might not have the resources to continue.
Following the New Hampshire primary, Williamson held a Zoom call with her volunteers and supporters, where she openly discussed the state of her campaign and received feedback. Despite some supporters urging her to stay in the race, including an elderly supporter who had already donated the maximum amount allowed by law, Williamson remained ambiguous about her future plans.
However, just a few days later, Williamson made a surprising decision to continue her campaign through Nevada. She cited the overwhelming influence of Biden in South Carolina as a reason for not expecting to perform well in that state. Instead, she planned to focus on a near-total social media campaign targeting Nevada voters.
Marianne Williamson, 71, is a best-selling self-help author who gained fame when Oprah Winfrey endorsed her work through her book club. She founded Project Angel Food, an organization that delivers meals to homebound individuals battling critical illnesses. Throughout her campaign, Williamson advocated for universal healthcare and called for a cease-fire in Gaza following the Israel-Hamas war.
Although her 2024 campaign has come to an end, Williamson’s impact on the political landscape should not be underestimated. She brought attention to progressive ideas and pushed for change within the Democratic Party. While she may not have achieved the desired results in the Nevada primary, her campaign served as a platform to promote her vision of justice and love in American politics.
