Jesse Ventura, who served as Minnesota governor as a member of the Reform Party, said Monday that he is “testing the waters” for a potential 2020 run for president on the Green Party ticket.
In a pair of tweets, the former wrestling star, who has repeatedly floated a White House bid, said he endorses the Green Party’s platform and had authorized a letter to the party signaling his interest in running for its presidential nomination.
“OK, I’ve decided I’m going to test the waters. IF I were going to run for president, the GREEN party would be my first choice. I’ve endorsed the party and I’m testing the waters,” Ventura tweeted.
To be clear: I haven’t filed anything. I authorized a letter of interest that was sent on my behalf to the Greens and I’m testing the waters for Green Party nomination. I’m an independent. I’m not a Democrat or a Republican because I know they’re not the solution.
If he entered the race, Ventura would be one of several declared candidates for the Green Party’s nomination. The hopeful currently leading the pack is Howie Hawkins, a New York trade unionist and activist who co-founded the Green Party and is already endorsed by the Socialist Party, another third party.
Jesse Ventura would be the biggest 3rd party threat since Perot.
His candidacy may be the ONLY way to pull the Dem Party left.
✅ Former Gov of MN
✅ Huge name recognition
✅ Appeals to millions of disillusioned votersHe’s a force to be reckoned with.https://t.co/0BMEvoBCTn
— Jen Perelman For Congress (@JENFL23) April 28, 2020
Jesse Ventura says he's "testing the waters" for green party bid for president https://t.co/TgVkk09ZCL pic.twitter.com/cxx5KAnzeD
— The Hill (@thehill) April 27, 2020