According to a source familiar with Pence’s launch schedule, Mike Pence will enter the GOP presidential race on June 7, with a video campaign and a speech to kick off in Des Moines.
Former Vice President, who has been a strong advocate for traditional conservatives’ priorities on social and economic matters, will enter the race when his former boss, former president Donald Trump , , claims a majority in most national surveys , and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis comes in second.
It will be difficult to redefine himself for Republican voters who know him mostly as Trump’s Vice President.
Pence, who was born in Indiana, sees his fellow Midwesterners, the Iowa GOP and its first-in the-nation caucuses as welcoming to his style of politics. The Iowa caucuses are known to play a role in the nomination race, giving a boost to some candidates and burying others’ hopes.
The person who is familiar with Pence’s plans stated that “we view this race to be absolutely wide open and Iowa will really solidify itself as a pivotal player.” It’s a state that values Mike Pence’s principles – traditional conservative principles – deep-rooted faith, and unusual character.
A person told me that Mike Pence will be able to benefit from the campaign if it is conducted in all 99 counties in Iowa before the Iowa caucuses.
This includes retail politics, such as town hall meetings with Iowans or drop-by sessions in restaurants. He will need to explain to Republican voters in those sessions why he left Trump and certified the 2020 election defeat on January 6, 2021.
The pro-Trump mob that day sacked the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to stop certification. Some of the rioters shouted ” hang MikePence.”
Pence, who was Trump’s running mate from 2016 to 2016, showed a willingness to separate himself in policy as he considered a campaign. Pence, in particular, has unambiguously backed U.S. assistance for Ukraine. He also said that Congress and White House should look at cutting Medicare and Social Security. These positions are contrary to those expressed by Trump.
Pence has been one of the most vocal Republican Party leaders for years, pushing social conservative priorities on everything , from abortion, to LGBTQ Rights. Pence’s record shows that he is a Reaganite who values lower taxes, less regulations and robust defense spending.
Pence has criticized Trump in a generally indirect manner, despite their disagreement. DeSantis is also a person with whom Pence disagrees about the U.S. involvement in Ukraine. The former vice president is still a candidate who, for many Americans, has been defined by his decision to oppose Trump when the presidency or the rule of law was on the line.
The field of candidates is becoming more crowded every week. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and North Dakota Governor. Doug Burgum is expected to enter the race within the next few days. This is a testimony to Trump’s inability to convince Republican opponents that he was invincible, and DeSantis inability to establish him as Trump’s only rival.
Winning the nomination would be a long, improbable road back to prominence for Pence. Next Wednesday, his 64th Birthday coincides with the date of Pence’s first official step.
The person who knows his plans said, “What better place for you to make your announcement than somewhere that will be so pivotal to the future of our nation?” It certainly conveys our importance to the state.
Amanda Terkel contributed.
