No Labels, a centrist group in the United States, has decided against endorsing a third-party candidate for the 2024 presidential election after failing to identify a suitable candidate from 30 potential individuals they considered. Prominent figures, including former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and former Democratic senator Joe Lieberman, were approached but ultimately, no viable candidate emerged. This decision halts the group’s efforts to provide an alternative to the major party candidates amidst a political landscape marked by dissatisfaction with the established options.

The group, which had previously gained ballot access in 19 states, cited the lack of a credible path to victory for any potential candidates as a key reason for their withdrawal. This move comes amid concerns that a third-party bid could influence the election’s outcome, a scenario that has sparked debate in previous US elections. Critics, including No Labels co-founder John Avlon, have expressed concern over the group’s strategy, describing it as a “reckless gamble with democracy.”

The absence of a No Labels candidate means the 2024 election is likely to see a rematch between incumbent President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Other minor candidates, such as Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein and Robert F. Kennedy Jr, are also in the fray, but with the potential third-party bid off the table, voters are left with limited choices outside the major party contenders. This development reflects the challenges faced by independent and centrist groups in offering alternatives to the American electorate, despite a notable degree of public openness to independent candidates.