Kanye West 2020 presidential campaign facts for kids

Kanye West, a famous rapper, musician, and entrepreneur, announced his plan to run for President of the United States in 2020. He shared this news on Twitter on July 4, 2020, which is Independence Day in the U.S. This announcement came as a surprise to many, as he had already missed the deadlines to get his name on the ballot in several states.

Kanye West's Presidential Campaign

Kanye West's idea of running for president first started back in August 2015. At that time, he mentioned his plans to run in a future election. When he finally entered the 2020 race, it was after the official deadlines had passed for new candidates to appear on the ballot in at least four states. This made it harder for him to get his name in front of voters across the country.

Who Was His Running Mate?

For his campaign, Kanye West chose Michelle Tidball as his running mate. A running mate is the person who runs alongside the presidential candidate, usually for the position of Vice President. Michelle Tidball is a preacher from Wyoming.

What Were His Campaign Ideas?

Kanye West's campaign ideas were described as having a "pro-Black religious platform." This means his ideas often focused on supporting Black communities and were connected to his religious beliefs. Some of his views were also seen as similar to those often held by the Republican Party.

Getting on the Ballot

To officially run for president, candidates must file paperwork with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The FEC is a government agency that oversees how money is raised and spent in U.S. elections. On July 16, 2020, Kanye West's campaign filed its Statement of Candidacy with the FEC. This was a step to make his campaign official.

After filing, candidates also need to get their names on the ballot in different states. This usually involves collecting a certain number of signatures from voters. West was able to get his name on the ballot in Oklahoma. He also held his first campaign rally in North Charleston, South Carolina, on July 19, 2020, to share his message with potential voters.

Images for kids

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  West meeting with then-President Trump in October 2018.

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  West at his first campaign rally in North Charleston, South Carolina on July 19, 2020.

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  A petition from New Jersey that was later withdrawn.