Former Vice President Mike Pence is set to enter the race for the GOP presidential nomination on June 7, unveiling a campaign video and delivering a kickoff speech in Des Moines, Iowa, according to a source familiar with his launch schedule. As he joins the contest, Pence faces the challenge of redefining himself to Republican voters who primarily know him as Donald Trump’s vice president. However, Pence sees the Iowa GOP and its influential first-in-the-nation caucuses as a favorable environment for his brand of politics, rooted in traditional conservative principles, deep-rooted faith, and uncommon character.
In a bid to connect with voters, Pence plans to campaign in all 99 counties of Iowa ahead of the caucuses, engaging in retail politicking such as town hall meetings and drop-by sessions at local establishments. However, Pence will also need to address his split from Trump and his certification of the 2020 election loss, which led to a pro-Trump mob storming the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, with some even chanting threats against Pence. Despite their differences, Pence’s criticisms of Trump have generally been indirect, and he has also shown policy disagreements with potential rival Ron DeSantis on issues like U.S. engagement in Ukraine.
The GOP field is becoming increasingly crowded, with former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum expected to announce their campaigns soon. Pence’s entry into the race provides another contender who has been defined, both positively and negatively, by his decision to stand up to Trump during critical moments for the presidency and the rule of law. Winning the nomination would mark a remarkable journey for Pence, and he considers launching his campaign in Iowa on his 64th birthday as a significant step, highlighting the state’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.
