Third party candidates are individuals who run for political office outside of the two dominant parties in the United States, which are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. These candidates often represent alternative viewpoints and policies that may not be fully addressed by the major parties, appealing to voters seeking different options. While third party candidates can influence elections by drawing votes away from major party candidates, they typically face challenges such as limited funding, reduced media coverage, and difficulties in gaining ballot access. Examples of third parties include the Green Party and the Libertarian Party, which focus on specific issues like environmentalism and individual liberties, respectively.