Cornel West to run for president as an independent, drops Green Party bid

Activist Cornel West announced Thursday that he is ditching the Green Party label and is going to run for president as an independent in 2024. 

"Our Constitution provides for independent candidates to gain ballot access in all states, and I have begun seeking ballot access as an independent, unaffiliated with any political party," West said in a statement accompanying the announcement, according to NBC News.

 "I nod in solidarity to the Green Party for their shared values and commitment to justice," he added. "But my quest for the presidency belongs to the people. I believe the best way to challenge the entrenched system is by focusing 100% on the people, not on the intricacies of internal party dynamics."

This is the second time that West has switched his party affiliation, according to the outlet. Before running under the Green Party, he was running under the People's Party.

West is most well known for his advocacy for progressive policies and is the former Professor of the Practice of Public Philosophy at Harvard University and a current Professor Emeritus at Princeton University.

West has raised just over $70,000 for his campaign. The next deadline for him to file updated fundraising numbers is at the end of October.