Overview of the 2020 Vice Presidential Candidates
In the 2020 United States presidential election, voters chose between two major party tickets for president and vice president. The incumbent ticket was President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, seeking reelection as Republicans. The Democratic ticket featured former Vice President Joe Biden as presidential nominee and Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate. Third parties and independent campaigns also nominated vice presidential candidates, though they appeared on fewer state ballots. This guide provides verified details on each major vice presidential candidate, their background, and their role on the 2020 ballots.
Republican Ticket: Incumbent President and Vice President
President Donald Trump, first elected in 2016, ran for a second term in 2020. His running mate was incumbent Vice President Mike Pence, former governor of Indiana. The Trump–Pence ticket emphasized economic policy before the pandemic, judicial appointments, and a tough approach to China. They appeared on the Republican primary ballots and secured the nomination at the Republican National Convention. Administration records, campaign disclosures, and news archives document their policy positions and legislative achievements during the preceding four years.
Policy and Governance Highlights
- Tax and regulatory policies focused on business competitiveness.
- Judicial appointments, including multiple Supreme Court and appellate confirmations.
- Trade agreements renegotiated to emphasize bilateral terms.
Democratic Ticket: Biden and Harris
Joe Biden, the 47th Vice President under President Barack Obama, was the Democratic presidential nominee. His running mate was Kamala Harris, then serving as Attorney General of California and later as U.S. Senator. The Biden–Harris platform centered on pandemic recovery, healthcare, climate policy, and racial equity. Harris was the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American to be nominated for vice president by a major party. Official campaign filings and party conventions document this selection and the policy priorities of the ticket.
Platform Priorities
- Expansion of healthcare access and protection of preexisting condition provisions.
- Climate and environmental justice initiatives.
- Proposals for criminal justice reform and civil rights enforcement.
Third-Party and Independent Tickets on the Ballot
Several third-party and independent campaigns also nominated vice presidential candidates. The Libertarian Party nominated Spike Cohen as vice president alongside Jo Jorgensen. The Green Party selected Angela Nicole Walker as the running mate for Howie Hawkins. Additional candidates appeared on select state ballots under independent designations. These tickets generally received a smaller share of the vote but participated in selected debates and submitted ballot access documentation where legally permitted.
Ballot Access and Vote Share Context
- Major party tickets appeared in all states and the District of Columbia.
- Third-party tickets had varied access, often limited to specific jurisdictions.
- General election results were certified by state officials and the Electoral College.
Role of the Vice President in the 2020 Election Cycle
The vice president in the United States serves as President of the Senate and casts tie-breaking votes when needed. On the 2020 campaign trail, vice presidential nominees typically emphasized regional appeal, specific policy expertise, and contrast with the opposing ticket. During the general election debates, the vice presidential candidates presented their tickets’ positions on issues such as the pandemic response, economic relief, healthcare, and foreign policy. After the election, the vice president presided over the certification of electoral votes in January 2021.
Official Results and Electoral Context
The 2020 election concluded with the Electoral College vote determining the presidency. The Biden–Harris ticket won the national popular vote and secured enough electoral votes to claim victory. Official state certification and the Congressional certification of the Electoral College results affirmed this outcome. Throughout the cycle, campaign finance disclosures, debate transcripts, and public records provided verifiable information about each vice presidential candidate’s background and policy positions.
Comparison of Major Vice Presidential Candidates in 2020
| Ticket | Presidential Candidate | Vice Presidential Candidate | Party | Prior Notable Executive or Legislative Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Donald Trump | Mike Pence | Republican | Governor of Indiana; U.S. Representative |
| Democratic | Joe Biden | Kamala Harris | Democratic | U.S. Senator; Attorney General of California |
| Libertarian | Jo Jorgensen | Spike Cohen | Libertarian | Political staffer and activist |
| Green | Howie Hawkins | Angela Nicole Walker | Green | Labor activist and educator |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What defines a vice presidential candidate in U.S. elections? The vice presidential candidate is chosen by each party to run alongside its presidential nominee and appears on ballots in each state as part of a unified ticket.
- How are vice presidential candidates selected? Typically selected by party committees or nominee announcements ahead of the national convention, then formally confirmed during the convention’s delegate vote.
- Does the vice president have formal duties between elections? Yes, the vice president serves as President of the Senate and may cast tie-breaking votes, participate in policy initiatives, and represent the administration abroad.
Understanding the 2020 vice presidential candidates provides context for how American elections present leadership options to voters. This overview focuses on verified roles, party affiliations, and official records to support long-term informational value for researchers and readers.