Former Vice President Mike Pence officially began his presidential campaign for the 2024 elections, initiating a potential contest against his previous boss, Donald Trump. Their last term in office was characterized by the U.S. Capitol insurrection, which endangered Pence’s life.
The formal announcement of Pence’s campaign will be on Wednesday, his 64th birthday, with a video release and an event in Des Moines, Iowa, according to sources privy to his plans. He confirmed his presidential run by submitting the necessary paperwork to the Federal Election Commission.
Although Trump is currently leading in early nomination polls, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis following closely, supporters of Pence believe he represents a dependable conservative option, sharing many policies of the past administration but without the persistent disorder.
Pence’s potential nomination is seen as a return to Republican establishment principles sidelined during Trump’s reshaping of the party. Pence, who advocates for conservative ideals, warns against the rising populism in the party, with his advisers viewing him as the only candidate embodying traditional, Reagan-style conservatism.
Pence’s stance includes opposition to abortion rights, support for a nationwide abortion ban, campaigning against transgender-affirming school policies, suggesting Social Security and Medicare reforms, and endorsing more U.S. support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression. He also expresses criticism for “Putin apologists” within the party.
Pence has been actively involved in events in early voting states, policy speeches, donor courting, and church visits in preparation for his campaign. His campaign strategy heavily focuses on Iowa and its evangelical Christian voters, who are perceived as critical to his possible victory.
The campaign aims to reintroduce Pence to the electorate through town hall meetings and retail stops. Pence’s political career includes over ten years in Congress and tenure as Governor of Indiana before his vice-presidential appointment alongside Trump in 2016.
Pence remained a staunch defender of Trump until the chaotic events leading up to January 6, 2021. Trump erroneously insisted that Pence had the authority to reverse the 2020 election results single-handedly. Consequently, a violent mob, driven by Trump’s election fraud claims, stormed the U.S. Capitol building with Pence and his entourage forced to seek safety.
Pence has criticized Trump’s conduct and proposed a fresh leadership brand for the 2024 elections. While he has gradually distanced himself from Trump since the end of their term, Pence faces skepticism from both anti-Trump voters and Trump loyalists. The former perceive him as too closely tied to Trump, while the latter blames him for not acting on Trump’s request to overturn the election results.
The Republican field for the 2024 elections is crowded, with contenders including Trump, DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, Vivek Ramaswamy, Asa Hutchinson, Chris Christie, and Doug Burgum.
During Trump’s initial presidential run in 2016, Pence was chosen as his running mate, helping to alleviate doubts from evangelical Christians and other conservatives about Trump’s credentials. Pence remained a steadfast supporter and diplomat for Trump throughout their office.
Post the 2020 election, Trump insisted Pence had the power to overturn the results, an assertion that was not legally correct. When the insurrection was in progress, and Pence was rushed to safety, Trump criticized him for lacking courage. Pence has since said that Trump put everyone at the Capitol in danger that day, and history will hold him accountable.
While Pence did resist testifying in investigations regarding Trump’s actions leading up to January 6, he eventually testified before a grand jury. Only six former U.S. vice presidents have managed to be elected as presidents, including Biden, who will be seeking re-election.
As the 2024 elections approach, Pence’s candidacy is a significant factor in the Republican landscape, adding a potential contender against his former running mate, Donald Trump. Whether Pence’s campaign will resonate with the varied factions within the Republican party remains to be seen, and how the electorate will perceive his careful distancing from Trump is yet to be determined. As America gears up for the next presidential race, the campaign’s trajectory and the public’s response will be critical to observe in the coming months.
