Joe Biden has run for president twice: first in 1988, and successfully in 2020. This profile explains each campaign timeline, major milestones, verified outcomes, and clarifies common questions about his candidacies. It focuses on publicly documented facts rather than speculation. Below, you can compare the key attributes of each run for quick reference.
Overview of Biden’s Presidential Runs
Joe Biden, the 47th Vice President of the United States (2009–2017) and long-serving Senator from Delaware (1973–2009), ran for president on two notable occasions. His first campaign launched in 1987 and ended before the primaries; his second campaign, launched in 2019, resulted in victory in the 2020 general election. Understanding these runs requires examining timelines, campaign strategies, primary performance, and official outcomes.
1988 Presidential Campaign
Announcement and Early Messaging
Biden announced his 1988 presidential bid on June 9, 1987, positioning himself as a pragmatic, middle-class advocate with foreign policy experience. He emphasized his Senate work on arms control and bipartisan collaboration.
Primary Performance and Withdrawal
After inconsistent polling and limited traction in early primaries, Biden withdrew from the race in September 1987 amid plagiarism allegations regarding speeches. His campaign ended before any primaries concluded, and he did not secure the nomination.
2020 Presidential Campaign
Announcement and Platform
Biden announced his 2020 candidacy on April 25, 2019, focusing on restoring the soul of the nation, rebuilding the middle class, and uniting a divided country. He highlighted decades of legislative experience and contrasted his approach with the incumbent.
Primary and General Election Timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| April 25, 2019 | Campaign announcement | Marked the formal start of the 2020 Democratic primary bid |
| February 3–4, 2020 | Iowa caucuses / New Hampshire primary | Ascendancy after early-state contests improved momentum |
| April 7–8, 2020 | Michigan, Arizona, and Wisconsin primaries | Critical wins during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding delegate lead |
| August 18–20, 2020 | Democratic National Convention | Formal nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate |
| November 3, 2020 | General election | Elected President of the United States |
| January 20, 2021 | Inauguration | Begun the 46th presidency |
Post-Election and Current Status
After serving one term, Biden announced his reelection bid for 2024. He became the presumptive Democratic nominee after securing enough delegates in the 2024 primaries. However, on July 21, 2024, he announced his withdrawal from the 2024 race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. His current status reflects an orderly transition of support within the Democratic Party.
Key Comparisons at a Glance
| Attribute | 1988 Run | 2020 Run |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome | Withdrew before primaries | Won general election |
| Primary Performance | Limited delegate gains | Secured nomination after multiple state wins |
| General Election Result | N/A (did not reach general) | Elected 46th President |
| Notable Context | Plagiarism controversy impacted campaign | Focused on unity and pandemic recovery; defeated incumbent |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many times has Joe Biden run for president? He has run twice: 1988 and 2020.
- Did Biden win the 2020 election? Yes, he won the 2020 general election and served as the 46th President.
- Is Biden running in 2024? He ran in the 2024 Democratic primaries but withdrew from the race in July 2024, endorsing the eventual nominee.
- When did Biden first become a presidential candidate? He first became a presidential candidate in 1987 for the 1988 election cycle.
Verifiable Notes and Sources
Information in this profile reflects publicly available, widely reported milestones: official campaign announcements, primary and general election dates, and documented outcomes. Major timelines align with FEC filings, news archives, and congressional records. Readers are directed to official campaign disclosures and nonpartisan election monitors for deeper verification.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s presidential runs span more than three decades, reflecting shifts in political context, personal circumstances, and institutional outcomes. His 2020 candidacy resulted in Electoral College and popular vote victories, culminating in one presidential term. For long-term perspective, this profile emphasizes verifiable milestones and stable facts that remain useful regardless of immediate news cycles.