The Unlikely Candidate: A Novel of Politics, Religion, and the Media

by Stephen Palmer

After completing his second and final term as governor of Mississippi at age fifty, Jeff Ackerman is seeking direction for the next stage in his life. On a whim, Ackerman decides to run for president in the 2016 election against incumbent Democrat Upton Landers. Landers is a reasonably popular sitting president during a time of peace and a stable economy. The well-known Republican politicians elect to sit on the sidelines for the 2016 election, implicitly conceding re-election to Landers. This leaves the Republican field open to squishy moderates, has-beens, and never-have-beens such as Jeff Ackerman. The Unlikely Candidate takes the reader on a thought-provoking and sometimes infuriating journey into the Oval Office, Air Force One, a New York City newsroom, the pulpit of an African-American church in Detroit, and the headquarters of an agribusiness conglomerate in Iowa. One part political commentary, one part media criticism, and one part Christian apologetic, this novel prioritizes ideas and ideals. Author Stephen Palmer weaves various threads into a compelling, fast-moving narrative that keeps the reader thinking while anxiously turning pages. After a successful twenty-year legal career, Stephen Palmer retired early from a major international law firm in order to focus on writing and public speaking. He and his wife, Jennifer, are from Jackson, Mississippi and now live in Atlanta, Georgia.

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2020

About the author

Stephen Palmer retired early from a successful, big-firm legal career to focus on writing, public speaking, and serving in his church. Following the successful debut of his first novel, The Unlikely Candidate, Stephen published The Unlikely President, in October 2022 and The Unlikely Advisor in September 2024. Each novel in the series presents the foundational arguments for conservative politics and the Christian faith in a fast-paced, page-turning account of a previously unknown former governor of Mississippi.

In addition to his writing, Stephen has a passion for personal finance. His speaking engagements examine the intersection of Faith, Finance, and Freedom. He has spoken at various marriage retreats and seminars for engaged couples.

At these events, Stephen presents strategies for spending less and saving, investing and giving more, all in an effort to avoid having financial stress become marital stress.

Stephen is originally from Jackson, Mississippi. He holds a degree in Banking and Finance from Mississippi State University and a law degree from Emory University. Stephen and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for over 30 years and have two daughters. The Palmers have recently moved home to Mississippi after three decades in the Atlanta area.

Reviews

[Melanie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Palmer has written a timely story about a candidate running in a presidential race. The novel puts meaning and foundation behind political concepts and misunderstandings. I enjoyed the learning along with the story.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not wait to get my hands on Stephen Palmer‘s debut novel, The Unlikely Candidate. It did not disappoint! Stephen's betrayal of what goes on in the White House and the path to get there was entertaining and informative at the same time. A great group of characters and a story line that kept me up till 1:30 in the morning eagerly awaiting the next chapter. This was an excellent book about politics, religion and the media! Stephen”goes there” in a fun and intriguing way. I can’t wait for his next novel!