American political activist (born 1949)
Rachele Fruit (born October 4, 1949) is an American activist who was the Socialist Workers Party's nominee for President of the United States in the 2024 presidential election.
Early life and career
Fruit was born on October 4, 1949, in Philadelphia.[2] Her family were secular Jews and she attended Hebrew School.[3] Fruit has worked a series of jobs throughout her life, including as a meatpacker,[2] trade unionist,[4] a ramp worker for Eastern Airlines,[3] and a Walmart employee.[5] During the 1980s she resided in Baltimore before moving to Atlanta and then Miami.[3]
Activism and political candidacy
Fruit began involving herself in politics during the 1970s, participating in protests against the Vietnam War.[3]
Elections contested
Fruit has run for numerous offices since the 1970s.[3]
2018 Georgia gubernatorial election
In 2018, the Atlanta Branch of the Socialist Workers Party nominated Fruit for governor of Georgia.[5] She initially ran as a write-in candidate to oppose Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams but withdrew from the election.[2][5] She campaigned on giving ex-prisoners the right to vote.[6]
2024 presidential election
The Socialist Workers Party nominated Fruit alongside vice-presidential candidate Dennis Richter. The ticket appeared on the ballot in six states: Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington.[7] Fruit and Richter expressed strong support for Israel in the Israel–Hamas war and branded themselves as working-class candidates.[3][7]
Fruit received the following vote totals: Louisiana (361), Minnesota (745), New Jersey (1,316), Tennessee (985), Vermont (211), Washington (607).
Other elections
Fruit had her best showing ever in the 2013 Atlanta city council president election, receiving 8,598 votes and finishing second, with 19.71% of the vote, to Ceasar Mitchell Jr.[2]
Personal life
Fruit resides in Miami, Florida.[3]
References
