In a significant political development, the centrist organization No Labels has decided to withdraw its plans to establish a third-party presidential unity ticket for the upcoming election. The group’s spokesperson, Maryanne Martini, announced the decision on Thursday.
“The appetite for a unifying national leadership and an independent presidential run among Americans is stronger than ever,” Martini stated. “However, No Labels has always maintained that we would only extend our ballot line to a ticket if we could identify candidates with a credible path to the White House. Unfortunately, no such candidates have come forward, making it prudent for us to step back at this stage,” she further explained.
The Wall Street Journal was the first to break the news about No Labels’ decision to not field a presidential ticket.
In its pursuit of a unity ticket, the group faced rejection from several influential figures, including former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Other potential candidates like West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin and former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan distanced themselves from the group. The group’s efforts were further hampered by the death of former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, the group’s founding chairman and a key advocate, last month.
No Labels, supported by centrist organizers linked to the Congressional Problem Solvers Caucus, had announced its ambition last year to field a presidential ticket that could offer moderate voters an alternative to President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. The group had initially set a March deadline to make a decision on this matter.
Prior to Thursday’s announcement, the group had secured ballot access in 21 states. Martini assured that No Labels will continue to promote bipartisan solutions in the run-up to the November election and beyond.
“We will stay active during what is likely to be the most divisive presidential election of our lifetimes. We will foster discussions around major policy challenges and hold both sides accountable when they engage in bad faith,” she stated. “After the election, No Labels will be ready to uphold and defend the values and interests of America’s commonsense majority.”
Following the No Labels announcement, some Democratic-aligned groups highlighted Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent campaign. Rahna Epting, the executive director of MoveOn, expressed relief at No Labels’ decision and urged Kennedy to acknowledge the improbability of a third-party winning the presidency.
This report has been updated with additional information. CNN’s Eva McKend contributed to this report.