Topic summary
Michael Bloomberg 2020 presidential campaign
The 2020 presidential campaign of Michael Bloomberg commenced in November 2019, later than most other campaigns for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Bloomberg opted not to compete in the early states of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina, instead beginning his campaign with the Super Tuesday states. He financed the campaign himself, spending more than $1 billion and refusing campaign donations. His campaign heavily relied on advertising, including the use of nationally aired television ads, social media influencers, and billboards in high-visibility locations.
On Super Tuesday (March 3, 2020), when Democratic primaries were held in 14 states, Bloomberg won only the territory of American Samoa. He also missed the 15% threshold for proportional delegates in several states. Bloomberg ended his campaign on March 4, 2020, endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination, and announced an effort to use his campaign infrastructure to support Biden's primary bid and the eventual Democratic nominee. Bloomberg's lack of success with voters was attributed to poor debate performances; his one-time approval of stop-and-frisk in New York City; and allegations of a sexist working environment at his company, Bloomberg LP.