Following a bruising Democratic primary, Virginia Senator Scott was victorious in the Democratic nomination. Expected to select someone from the liberal wing of the party after the primary against Sen. Warren, he instead selected Gov. Miles, a conservative Democrat from Louisiana. Shocked, Senator Antonio of California announces his third-party run as a Socialist candidate, and selects Governor TNF of Kentucky as his running mate. The Republicans, meanwhile, have selected Rep. Goldwater of Washington to head their ticket, with Gov. Jerry of Arkansas added for geographic and ideological diversity. Americans Elect gets their act together, and backed by major donors such as Bloomberg and Schultz, fields former New York Senator Nix and former Indiana Senator HPJ as a well-funded independent ticket.
Sen. Scott (D-VA)/Gov. Miles (D-LA): 140 EVs, 32.4% of the PV
Sen. Nix (I-NY)/Sen. HPJ (I-IN): 137 EVs, 22.8% of the PV
Rep. Goldwater (R-WA)/Gov. Jerry (R-AR): 134 EVs, 26.6% of the PV
Sen. Antonio (S-CA)/Gov. TNF (S-KY): 127 EVs, 18.2% of the PV
The Republicans largely maintain the Republican states, though losing several to other parties. The Democrats pick up several southern states, but lose much of the north to the Socialists or independents - a stand in the Rust Belt is all that saves them from utter catastrophe. The independents pick up much of the north, as well as very divided states that let them win with fractions of the vote - they also do well throughout the west. The Socialists do well in the far-left states, but also pick up some of the Rust Belt and Appalachia due to Gov. TNF's selection.
The election goes to the House, which deadlocks. Gov. Miles is chosen by the Senate and serves as President-elect until the House finally selects Sen. Nix in a compromise vote.
