Who Ran for President 2016: Full Results and Candidates List

In 2016, American voters chose between distinct policy visions and leadership styles in a closely watched presidential election. The race featured the Democratic and Republican parties nominating candidates who promised to reset the direction of the country on economic fairness, security, and global influence.

Many candidates from third parties and independents also sought the presidency in 2016, arguing that the two-party system needed stronger alternatives. This article outlines who ran in that election year and how their campaigns and platforms compared.

Democratic Primary Candidates and Nomination

Hillary Clinton Path to Nomination

Hillary Clinton entered 2016 as the front-runner, building on extensive governing experience and party support. She secured the Democratic nomination after a competitive primary that included strong challenges from Senator Bernie Sanders and other progressives.

Sanders Movement and Primary Debate

Bernie Sanders ran as a democratic socialist, emphasizing income inequality, tuition-free public college, and campaign finance reform. His grassroots fundraising and youth turnout reshaped the policy tone of the primary, even after Clinton won the nomination.

Republican Nomination Contest

Trump Candidacy and Outsider Appeal

Donald Trump leveraged his reality-television profile and promises to build a border wall, renegotiate trade deals, and deport undocumented immigrants. A large field of Republican challengers fractured the vote, allowing Trump to capture the nomination with pluralities in many primaries.

Never Trump Movement and Alternatives

Several Republican candidates, including Ted Cruz, John Kasich, and Marco Rubio, positioned themselves as traditional conservatives capable of defeating Clinton. Despite efforts to consolidate support, Trump remained the nominee, and many Republicans eventually rallied behind him in the general election.

Third Parties and Alternative Candidates

Libertarian and Green Party Platforms

Gary Johnson promoted limited government, free trade, and drug policy reform as the Libertarian nominee, reaching the general-election ballot in all states. Jill Stein of the Green Party focused on climate action, social justice, and left-wing economic policies, seeking to build a long-term progressive movement.

Independent and Write-in Efforts

Evan McMullin led a well-funded independent campaign in swing states, hoping to prevent an Electoral College majority for either major-party nominee. Several other independents and write-in candidates appeared on state ballots, although none matched the ballot access of the major-party nominees.

Campaign Strategies and Voter Outreach

Digital Organizing and Fundraising

Clinton and Sanders campaigns relied heavily on small-dollar online donations and data-driven targeting. Trump used social media and earned coverage to dominate nightly news cycles, often framing the race as a referendum on political insiders.

Turnout and Demographic Shifts

African-American, Latino, and young voter turnout increased in some key states, yet overall participation rates remained below peak levels. Rust-belt voters who had stayed home in previous cycles became decisive, prompting post-election analysis of outreach and messaging.

Policy and Governing Agenda Contrasts

Results, Aftermath, and Historical Context

Donald Trump won the Electoral College while Hillary Clinton won the national popular vote by more than two million ballots. This outcome intensified debates about the Electoral College, media influence, and the future direction of both parties.

In the years after 2016, researchers analyzed campaign spending, voter suppression, and disinformation effects. The election reshaped political alignments, with both parties recalibrating their messaging and coalition-building strategies for subsequent cycles.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

• Review official state voter guides to understand each candidate’s platform on issues that matter to you.
• Compare party platforms and primary results to see how nominee selection shapes general-election strategy.
• Study turnout patterns in swing states to grasp where future campaigns might focus organizing resources.
• Evaluate third-party and independent options if you seek alternatives that better reflect your priorities.