Former Vice President Mike Pence, who served under former President Donald Trump, hasn’t confirmed any rumors or speculation that he might be considering a 2024 presidential run.
However, according to the Washington Examiner, his recent and planned actions might speak louder than words, as the former vice president is scheduled to headline a major Republican fundraising dinner this summer in New Hampshire, raising more than one eyebrow over his involvement in such affairs at this point.
What’s going on?
New Hampshire, which happens to be the first state in the nation to hold a presidential primary vote, is also the state which hosts the Hillsborough County GOP’s annual Lincoln Reagan awards dinner. The fundraiser, which is attended by GOP donor power players, will be held in Manchester in June.
Last week, Fox News reported that Pence, who isn’t quite as popular with Trump supporters as he once was, will headline the important Republican fundraising event.
Interestingly, the news came merely a few days after Pence traveled to South Carolina to deliver his first speech since leaving the White House in January. Many have already suggested that Pence is hitting the speech and fundraiser trail in what could be the beginnings of a potential presidential run in 2024.
“We’ve got to guard our values … by offering a positive agenda to the American people, grounded in our highest ideals,” Pence said in his South Carolina speech. “Over the coming months, I’ll have more to say about all of that.”
In addition to his South Carolina speech, Pence has also spoken at a donor appreciation dinner hosted by Republican operative Karl Rove, as well as a speaking gig at the recently-held Susan B. Anthony List’s Pro-Life Leaders Summit in Palm Beach, Florida.
What will Trump do?
While Republicans have a deep bench of popular Republicans heading into 2024, such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), most experts will stand firm in saying that nothing will be decided until Trump makes his intentions clear for the 2024 presidential election.
Trump’s ambitions of running seem to be shoring up, as he recently told conservative commentator Candace Owens that “it’s very early. But I think people are going to be very, very happy when I make a certain announcement.”
Even if the former president decides to make another run for the White House, the chances of Pence being back on board look as though they’re slimming, as recent reports have suggested that should Trump, who says he’s “very seriously” considering a run, could draft DeSantis or another popular Republican for a running mate.
“But certainly, Ron would be considered. He’s a great guy,” Trump said in a recent interview with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo when asked about who he was considering for a running mate, should he enter the 2024 race.
Undoubtedly, a lot will happen between now and the 2024 presidential election, but no matter who jumps in the race in that time frame, it’ll surely make for a fascinating time in Republican politics.
The post Pence to headline GOP fundraiser, sparking buzz concerning his 2024 political ambitions first appeared on Conservative Institute.
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