First White House race since 1976 set to proceed without a Bush, Clinton, or Biden

For nearly 50 years, the three names have appeared on the presidential or vice-presidential ballot

US President Joe Biden's announcement on Sunday that he will not run in the 2024 election marks the end of an era. For nearly 50 years, a Bush, Clinton, or Biden has appeared on the presidential or vice-presidential ballot.

This trend began in 1980 when Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush won the election. Reagan and Bush were reelected in 1984, and Bush became president in 1988. 

The 1992 election saw Bill Clinton defeating George H.W. Bush. Clinton was reelected in 1996, and George W. Bush won in 2000 and 2004.

The streak continued with Joe Biden or Hillary Clinton on the ballot from 2008 to 2020. Barack Obama and Joe Biden won the 2008 and 2012 elections. Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump in 2016, but Joe Biden won against Trump in 2020.

Biden’s decision to step down came after concerns about his age and capacity to serve. "I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term," he said. 

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, urging the Democrats to unite against Trump. Harris has received endorsements from prominent party members, including Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Potential running mates for Harris include Governors Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan), Roy Cooper (North Carolina), Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania), Gavin Newsom (California), and Andy Beshear (Kentucky).

With Biden's exit, the 2024 election will break the long-standing tradition of having a Bush, Clinton, or Biden on the ballot.