US President: Former Vice President Mike Pence announces his candidacy

He planned this for several months. Former Vice President Mike Pence announced his candidacy for the White House on Monday, according to documents released by the Federal Election Commission (FEC), seen by CNN. As planned, the evangelical conservative will videotape his entry into the race on Wednesday, his 64th birthday, then meet in Des Moines, Iowa, and end the day on a CNN shoot, he said. relatives.

As such, Mike Pence will challenge his former partner Donald Trump in the 2024 Republican primary. A vehement anti-abortionist, he helped the former president win the religious right as his running mate during the 2016 election campaign. After years of unwavering loyalty, he has changed. his tone after the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. In particular, he considered the president’s words that day “irresponsible” and “endangered” him, since he was then in the Capitol.

As vice president, he presided over a congressional session that would see elected officials confirm Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Although he only had a ceremonial role, Donald Trump has insisted that he refuses to confirm the Democratic election. The former governor of Indiana did not comply, which caused strong animosity among the billionaire’s supporters.

Less than 4% of intent votes

The rift between the two men jeopardizes the chances of Mike Pence, who many activists loyal to Donald Trump continue to regard as a “traitor.” However, he is joining an already crowded Republican arena with a dozen or so contenders who are currently well behind the former president in the polls. According to the average of recent polls conducted by RealClearPolitics, Mike Pence won about 3.8% of the vote, far behind Donald Trump (53.2%) or Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (22.4%).

After releasing a book called God Help Me, the former radio host traveled the country, multiplying his appearances in states that are likely to matter in the Republican primaries. Two weeks ago, his allies set up an exploratory committee for the Commitment to America campaign to support him.