As the New Year approaches, so does the upcoming presidential election. As opposed to elections past, the 2016 presidential candidates are a mix of genders, ethnicities, religions and professions. They also face a country in upheaval, arguing about how to best handle healthcare, finances, social issues and race relations. Americans of voting age should educate themselves and be aware of the importance of their decision when casting their ballots. Here is a quick guide to some of the candidates.

 

The Republicans:

Jeb Bush is best known for being related to former republican presidents President George W. Bush and President George H.W. Bush. He served as the governor of Florida for nine years. Like most republicans, Bush has a healthcare plan that would replace Obama’s, and has a moderate stance on immigration. Recently Bush’s campaign has taken a hit after losing major donors.

Ben Carson is a former neurosurgeon who does not have a political history. Carson is a published author who won the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008. He is quoted saying that “Obamacare is the worst thing since slavery.” The Michigan born opposes any federal funding of Planned Parenthood. Carson’s campaign is starting off with a bias against it, as no president without a political background has been elected since Eisenhower.

Chris Christie has been the governor of New Jersey since 2010 whose reputation suffers from the former “Bridgegate” scandal, despite being cleared of blame. Christie does not support the national teachers union, and wants a border wall “where needed” to help with incoming illegal immigration. Because of his hurt reputation, Christie’s campaign has had trouble rising in success.

Ted Cruz became the Texas U.S. senator in 2013. Cruz first worked for a law firm, and has successfully argued cases against the supreme court. In fall 2013 Cruz attempted to defund Obamacare, and has voiced his stance on same sex marriage by saying states should decide to legalize it. Cruz was originally born in Canada to an American mother, making him eligible for the candidacy.

Carly Fiorina was CEO of Hewlett-Packard from 1999-2005 and is the only female republican running for president. Like Carson, Fiorina lacks a political history unless you count her failed campaign for U.S. Senate in 2010. Fiorina wants to secure the U.S. border, but believes in the DREAM act. She also supports military funding and force overseas. Fiorina’s campaign has lost momentum in the last several months.

John Kasich has served as governor of Ohio since 2011. Kasich is known for wanting to raise military budgets, and wants health insurance to be regulated by the states. Kasich is a moderate republican with a majority of blue collar supporters.

Rand Paul has been a senator from Kentucky since 2011, and is the son of a former presidential candidate. Paul favors dramatically lower and simpler taxes, and would seek Congressional permission before sending troops “into harm’s way.” Paul’s campaign is mainly supported by Tea Partiers and libertarians.

Mark Rubio is a Florida senator who has been in office since 2011. Rubio had a nine-year career in the Florida House of Representatives. Rubio wants to repeal Obamacare, and undo budget cuts on defense and use it to “modernize our forces.” Many people who think Trump or Carson cannot win are placing their bets on Rubio.

Donald Trump is a successful businessman with no history in politics. Trump is known for his radical political statements. Trump is best known for his plan to build a wall across the U.S./Mexico border, and plans to make immigration harder for everyone, especially people of middle eastern or hispanic descent. Despite the popular notion that Trump has “no chance of winning,” he has been leading the polls for several months.

 

The Democrats:

Hillary Clinton is the front running democrat in the race, and has been involved in various foreign and domestic political positions. Clinton is also known for her husband’s past presidency and her involvement in the Benghazi scandal. Clinton is very outspoken about her support for Planned Parenthood. Because of her flashy status (and resume), Clinton has been the Democratic frontrunner since she announced her campaign.

Martin O’Malley was the governor of Maryland for eight years until January 2015. O’Malley has been adamant about his liberal priorities, such as legalizing same sex marriage, raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, and stricter gun control. O’Malley also wants to expand student aid. Despite his moderately liberal views, O’Malley’s campaign has had trouble gaining momentum.

Bernie Sanders was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2007, prior to which he served in the House of Representatives for 16 years. Sanders has described himself as a Democratic Socialist, and is the most liberal candidate in the race. Sanders has said he wants to raise taxes on the 1% in order to make public colleges free for everyone. Sanders is backed by far-left democrats, and has been running neck and neck with Clinton for the past several months.