2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Candidates Secured, Debate Dates Announced

The Democratic National Convention concluded, securing the presidential candidates for both major parties for the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.

Democratic Candidate

President Joe Biden, 81, withdrew his candidacy in late July and formally passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris during this week's convention. Harris accepted her nomination with an emotional speech on the last night of the event.

Republican Candidate

Former President Donald Trump secured his nomination during the first night of the Republican National Convention, held July 15-19. He announced Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his running mate.

Presidential Debate

With less than three months until the November election, a presidential debate between Harris and Trump will mark the final phase of the campaign season.

• Next Debate: ABC News is hosting the second presidential debate on Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. Central Time in Philadelphia.
• Additional Debates: Trump proposed two more debates—on Sept. 4 with Fox News and Sept. 25 with NBC News. Harris's campaign has not agreed yet, according to CBS News.
• First Debate: CNN hosted the first presidential debate in Atlanta in late June, where Trump debated Biden, who faced criticism for his performance.

Moderators

David Muir of "World News Tonight" and Linsey Davis of ABC News Live "Prime" will moderate the Sept. 10 debate.

Vice Presidential Debate

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance will debate after both accepted CBS News' invitation.

• Dates: Sept. 17, Sept. 24, Oct. 1, and Oct. 8. Walz confirmed his agreement on X, writing, "See you on October 1, JD."

Key Election Dates

• Early Voting Begins: Sept. 16 in Pennsylvania.
• Election Day: Nov. 5.
• Electors Vote: Dec. 17.
• Congress Counts Electoral Votes: Jan. 6.
• Inauguration: Jan. 20.

See your state's early voting dates.

'October Surprise'

An 'October surprise'—an unexpected event close to the election that impacts outcomes—is almost always anticipated. Past examples include:

• 1972: Nixon's "Peace is at Hand" announcement.
• 1980: The Iran hostage crisis.
• 1992: Iran-Contra indictment.
• 2000: Bush's DUI revelation.
• 2016: Comey's letter on Clinton's emails.
• 2020: Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis.