The 2024 U.S. presidential primary campaign is underway, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis formally announcing his candidature on May 24, becoming the 7th Republican to officially enter the 2024 presidential race. Four years after a historically large number of candidates stood for the poll, the field is expected to get even more crowded this year, with more than a dozen Republicans and Democrats, including both confirmed and potential, already entering the race. However, the 2024 Presidential campaign will be headlined by the current Democrat U.S. President, Joe Biden, and his competitor from the other side of the race, Former U.S. President Donald Trump, the same two aging men who faced off in 2020.

According to CNN, the first Republican primary debate will not occur until August, and the first primaries and caucuses won’t happen until early next year. The candidates will soon travel to primary states, interviewing and meeting people to garner votes. Let’s take a look at the currently declared Republican presidential candidatures.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President announced his candidature in November last year despite efforts to overturn the 2020 Presidential poll. Many experts consider his running for the presidential race contentious because of the legal uncertainty and complications surrounding his candidature. A cloud of lawsuits against him includes his alleged involvement in a hush money payment scheme before the 2016 election. The January 6 Capitol riots committee also recommended that Trump face criminal charges for the incitement of a mob. The former president also faces an ongoing suit related to sexual misconduct allegations. However, the legal hurdles have not stopped the leader from shoring up strong support among GOP members and spearheading the early 2024 polls. His campaign pitch will revolve around similar themes to his previous bid, like strengthening border security, the economy and strictly eliminating crime.

Ron Desantis

The Governor of the U.S. State of Florida announced his campaign on May 24 on Twitter during an interview with Elon Musk after riding high from an overwhelming reelection victory in 2022. A supporter turned challenger of Trump, the 44-year-old has been in the news for his recent run-ins with Disney after it opposed a Florida law that banned classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity for primary school children. He also enacted measures related to curbing access to abortion. A recent CNN poll says that Trump is the first choice of 53% of Republican and Republican-leaning voters in the primary, roughly doubling DeSantis’ 26%.

Nikki Haley

The elected governor of a Southern state announced her candidature in February of this year, becoming the first woman and first non-White Republican nominee. Her campaign pitch included arguing for an age-based competency test and a new generation of leadership among challengers like Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Highlighting herself as the daughter of immigrant parents, Haley commits to a federal abortion ban if elected.

Tim Scott

The only Black Republican in the Senate formally entered the Republican presidential primary on May 22, pledging to take on the ‘radical left’ and introduce business-friendly policies to the White House. He pitched himself as a candidate focused on “freedom and hope and opportunity.”

Vivek Ramaswamy

He announced his candidacy in February 2023. A biotech and healthcare entrepreneur who also writes books opposing corporate “wokeism” and identity politics, Ramaswamy is a long-shot candidate unknown by most Americans.

Asa Hutchison

The former Arkansas Governor launched his Republican presidential campaign in April of this year, aiming to draw contrasts with other GOP hopefuls on top issues, including how best to reform federal law enforcement agencies.

Larry Elder

The conservative radio host declared his candidature for the Republican presidential ticket in April this year, aiming to bring about an American golden age. His top priority is to eliminate crime and promote racial peace.

Several other Republicans are considering presidential runs, including Former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.