The 2024 election proved that the chance of a third party picking up popularity is slim to none in the years ahead.
Voters just simply don't have the appetite for a third political party as the two party system of Republican and Democrat has been solidified for quite some time in the United States. Voters may claim that they want to see more moderates run for office, but the actual votes and polling doesn't back that up.
That isn't stopping one prominent attorney and longtime Democratic donor from trying to start his own party. John Morgan, who identifies as an Independent but supported President Biden and President Obama, said he's forming a new political party "for those of us stuck in the middle."
"Our two party system is broken due to Gerrymandering and divisive issues," he wrote in a post to X recently. "No labels is not an option. Everyone wants a team or tribe. Ron Myers is my lawyer drafting the paperwork. Stay tuned."
He also added his law firm's catchphrase, "#ForThePeople." Morgan has been floating the idea of potentially running for governor of Florida. Their next gubernatorial race will be in 2026.
Daniel DiSalvo, Senior Fellow at Manhattan Institute, said it doesn't matter what level or what position a candidate runs at or for, the likelihood that they win their race is miniscule.
"Many Americans and polls say they're not pleased with our polarized political system and party system today," DiSalvo said. "However, third parties don't win in our political system and in fact they don't often win below the presidential level."
In another post, Morgan noted that he did not vote for Trump or Harris in last year's election, but said he is hoping the current president does well since we are all on the same team.
"I didn’t vote for Trump but I’m pulling like hell for Trump. I didn’t vote for Kamala either btw. It’s time for a third choice. If the choice is only vanilla or chocolate… you never get to eat strawberry," Morgan said.
DiSalvo simply believes there's no need for a third political party because they don't stake out their policy positions.
"Most of the time, third parties, at all levels including the presidential election, really just act as spoilers by draining off votes from one side or the other."
The only remotely successful run of a third party in the entirety of American history was the Republican party in the 1860's, who eventually replaced the existing Whig party.