This archive report was first published on 8 November 2019.
Published on November 8, 2019, Michael Bloomberg, a billionaire media mogul and former Republican, is reportedly gearing up to file for the Alabama 2020 presidential primary. This move comes after he previously announced in March that he would not run for president.
According to sources, Bloomberg's decision to file for the Alabama primary may be a blow to Joe Biden, who has been counting on strong support from centrist Democrats and traditional party donors to carry him forward in the race.
Mayor Steve Benjamin of Columbia, S.C., a Democrat who has not taken sides in the primary, has expressed confidence in Bloomberg's chances, citing his background as a businessman and mayor, as well as his stances on climate and guns.
“I believe Mayor Bloomberg would be an incredibly strong candidate,” Benjamin said in an interview. “There’s a lot of work to be done in gearing up for the first four primaries and caucuses, and certainly for Super Tuesday, but I would caution anybody not to underestimate Mike Bloomberg.”
