Jill Stein, the 2016 Green Party presidential nominee, has announced her candidacy for the party's nomination in the 2024 election. Stein, who ran unsuccessfully in both 2012 and 2016, presented herself as a choice "outside the failed two-party system." In a statement, she criticized political insiders for smearing outsiders like her and shaming voters who seek better choices. Emphasizing the importance of freedom of choice in elections, Stein argued that it is necessary for a functioning democracy.

Stein, 73, is an environmentalist and practicing physician from Massachusetts. She has previously run for office multiple times in the early 2000s. This will be Stein's third presidential bid, with her previous attempts being in 2012 against President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney, and in 2016 against Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. According to the Federal Elections Commission, Stein secured about 1% of the popular vote in 2016.

Before announcing her 2024 campaign, Stein worked on third-party presidential candidate Cornel West's campaign. However, West has since left the Green Party to run as an independent candidate. Stein's platform primarily focuses on combatting climate change and supporting a Green New Deal. Additionally, she advocates for an Economic Bill of Rights that would guarantee a living wage, housing, food, healthcare, and education as a means of addressing rising inequality and insecurity.

As a Jewish candidate, Stein has also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and criticized both the Israeli government and the Biden administration for their handling of the conflict. Her stance on this issue highlights her commitment to advocating for peace and justice internationally.

Stein's announcement comes in the midst of a field that is already crowded with third-party candidates. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in October that he would drop his primary challenge against President Biden and run as an independent. The presence of multiple third-party candidates in the race could complicate the political landscape for the major parties, particularly for Biden, as some fear that they may siphon support away from him in swing states.

In 2016, Stein's candidacy drew 1.4 million votes, leading some Democrats to blame her for pulling support from Hillary Clinton in key states. However, in 2012, her bid attracted only about 470,000 votes and did not have a significant impact on the race between Obama and Romney. Similar to Cornel West, Stein will be running to Biden's left, advocating for progressive policies such as an economic bill of rights that guarantees essential rights and protections for all.

In her announcement video, Stein included images of various demonstrations for climate change action, abortion rights, transgender rights, and more to emphasize the need for a candidate who will address these pressing issues. She also expressed her disregard for politicians and pundits who dismiss the struggles of everyday people and urge them to continue voting for those who have contributed to their hardships.

Overall, Jill Stein's announcement adds another name to the growing list of candidates in the 2024 election, providing voters with an alternative to the two major parties and advocating for progressive policies focused on social and environmental justice.