Larry Elder, a conservative talk radio host and former candidate in the failed 2021 California gubernatorial recall effort, has announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. Elder made the announcement on Fox News’ “Tucker Carlson Tonight” and via a tweet, where he stated his belief that America is in decline but can enter a new Golden Age with the right leader.
Elder, 70, is a lawyer who grew up in Los Angeles’ rough South Central neighborhood and attended an Ivy League college and law school. He has gained a following among conservatives through his radio programs and has been a frequent guest on right-wing media outlets such as Fox News. Elder’s conservative positions include opposition to abortion rights and COVID-19 restrictions such as mask mandates.
During the California recall campaign, Elder was a controversial figure who drew criticism from Democrats for his support of former President Donald Trump and his conservative positions. Elder’s role as a foil to California Governor Gavin Newsom, who successfully defeated the recall effort, may have helped inspire liberal voters to turn out and reject the recall.
Despite the outcome of the recall, Elder believes his message resonated with voters and that he can bring the country out of its perceived decline. “America is in decline, but this decline is not inevitable. We can enter a new American Golden Age, but we must choose a leader who can bring us there,” Elder tweeted.
Elder’s announcement puts him in a Republican field that includes former President Trump, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, has said he plans to seek reelection in 2024.
Elder’s candidacy is likely to be popular among conservatives who supported Trump and who believe the country needs a strong, conservative leader to combat what they see as liberal policies that are harming the country. However, Elder’s controversial positions on issues such as systemic racism and Black Lives Matter may make it difficult for him to gain support among Black voters, who are a key demographic in presidential elections.
During the recall campaign, Elder faced allegations of showing a gun to a former fiancée during an argument in 2015. Elder denied the allegations, but the controversy could resurface during his presidential campaign.
Despite these challenges, Elder’s candidacy adds to the growing field of Republican presidential hopefuls who are positioning themselves to challenge President Biden in 2024.