COVID-19 crisis, voters’ drivers, and financial markets consequences on US presidential election and global economy

•Examine the 2020 US election impact on global economy under COVID-19 crisis.•Used states panel data with news-based, financial markets, and COVID-19 variables.•Biden's voters react to jobless, healthcare news, Financial Stress Index, and CSI.•Trump's chances grow with voters’ sentiment, Covid-19 news and populism.•President Biden deals with unemployment, budget deficit, trade and investments. The paper examines the United States 2020 presidential election drivers and effects, under the uncertainty caused by COVID-19. By considering news-based, financial markets, and coronavirus specific inputs in panel data framework, the results reveal that COVID-19 affects candidates’ chances. Biden's electorate reacts positive to news regarding unemployment or healthcare, stress level on financial markets or Country Sentiment Index. Trump's opportunities increase with coronavirus indicators or news about populism. However, President-elect Biden must provide solutions for national economy issues like unemployment, budget deficit or healthcare inequalities. Simultaneously, having extensive prerogatives on trade and investment partnerships, influences mitigation of COVID-19 global effects.