David Palmer serves as a United States senator from Maryland. He is the frontrunner to become the Democratic candidate for president when he is threatened by scandal and assassination. He is married to Sherry, his childhood sweetheart, and the two have two children: Keith and Nicole.Palmer is smart, good-hearted and no-nonsense -- not afraid to make tough, quick decisions for the good of his family and of the nation. Like many, he is suspicious of Jack at first, but the two eventually come to be something close to friends. More than once, it is his influence and dedication to CTU and Jack that are the difference between life and death for the agents as well as many American citizens.As his political standing soars, Palmer becomes even more important to Jack and company.