GhLinks Media
| Quick Info | |
|---|---|
| Name | Jason Palmer |
| Age | 52 |
| Birth Date | December 1, 1971 |
| Birth Place | Aberdeen, Maryland |
Jason Michael Palmer, born on December 1, 1971, in Aberdeen, Maryland, is an American politician and entrepreneur who is running as a candidate in the 2024 Democratic Party presidential primaries.
He achieved victory over incumbent President Joe Biden in the American Samoa Democratic presidential caucuses on March 5, 2024.
At 52, Palmer is the youngest Democratic presidential candidate in the race and one of the youngest candidates overall.
He was also the first candidate to release an AI campaign video that responds to voter questions, and remains the only candidate to strongly advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza.
American Samoa Jason Palmer education background
Palmer’s educational background includes graduating from the University of Virginia in 1994 and obtaining an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1999.
Business career
Throughout his career, he founded three technology and services companies, held executive positions at Microsoft Education and SchoolNet, established Kaplan’s venture capital effort, and served as the deputy director for postsecondary education at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Palmer has served as a trusted member of the Board of Directors for more than a dozen successful businesses, several of which have been acquired by publicly traded companies.
Prior to his work with New Markets, in his service as Deputy Director at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for three years he led postsecondary innovation efforts to improve the outcomes of disadvantaged college students by investing in colleges, universities and entrepreneurs pursuing digital and adaptive learning, student coaching and advising, financial aid innovation, and employer pathways.
Political career
In January 18, 2024, Palmer spoke with POLITICO about being the youngest Democratic candidate for president. He urged older politicians like Biden to step aside and let younger generations take over. Palmer highlighted his business skills and said he would hire experts if needed.
He also mentioned focusing on technology during his term.
Palmer participated in the New Hampshire and Nevada primaries, receiving a total of 672 votes. He also won the American Samoa Democratic caucuses with 51 votes, beating Joe Biden. Rachel Maddow from MSNBC was surprised by Palmer’s victory, calling him “that person Palmer.”
Before winning in American Samoa, Palmer campaigned there and emphasized the need for a president who would advocate for the territory.
Maddow compared Palmer to Michael Bloomberg, noting their similar victories in American Samoa and their wealthy backgrounds as venture capitalists. Palmer even loaned over $500,000 to his own campaign.
