As speculation grows that former Vice President Mike Pence will be throwing his hat into the 2024 ring, the former VP has become more assertive with his attendance of campaign-style events. Pence has also lent his appearance at events that pit him against former President Donald Trump, finding support from House Republicans along the way.
Pence spoke at the National Republican Congressional Committee for its “Young Guns” candidate program. A day later, Pence was welcomed by the Republican Study Committee, the largest GOP caucus in the House, when he made an appearance at a meeting for the group he chaired in 2005 and 2006.
Lawmakers within the Republican Study Committee now find themselves in a tussle between Trump and the deputy he tried to convince to overturn the 2020 Presidential election results.
However, after giving Pence a standing ovation following remarks Rep. Chip Roy (Texas) made praising the former Vice President for standing up for the Constitution, it appears Republicans in the House have already picked a side.
In the weeks to come, Pence’s schedule will be packed with a host of other appearances, many of which put him in direct conflict with Trump and fan the flames of speculation he is mounting a 2024 White House bid.
This past week alone, Pence has tested his political clout against Trump when he endorsed Karrin Taylor Robson in Arizona’s gubernatorial race. Robson is contending for the role against Trump’s preferred candidate Kari Lake.
Over the weekend, Pence will go head-to-head with Trump as both men plan to campaign for their respective candidates ahead of Arizona’s primaries.
From then on, many of Pence’s speaking engagements will conflict with Trump’s, forcing those in the GOP to decide where they stand.
