**Mike Pence Set to Join Crowded GOP Field, Eyeing a Presidential Bid Next Week**
Former Vice President Mike Pence is gearing up to announce his presidential bid next week on June 7 in Iowa, setting the stage for an intriguing primary battle against former President Donald Trump and a host of other potential Republican candidates in the upcoming nomination race.
Pence, who served as Trump’s vice president from 2017 to 2021, will be joining a crowded field of contenders including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy, radio host Larry Elder, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott. The announcement will come as no surprise to political observers, given Pence’s prior experience as Indiana governor and a U.S. Representative.
Notably, Trump has maintained a considerable lead in early polling for the GOP presidential nomination, with DeSantis trailing in the second spot. The simultaneous bids from both Trump and Pence could further ignite discussions about their strained relationship, previously worsened by their differing stances following the 2020 election results.
Additional White House hopefuls such as former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and current North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum are also predicted to put their hats in the ring next week, contributing to a dynamic primary season leading up to the first debate set for August.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden has confirmed he is running for re-election, intending to secure the Democratic nomination for a second term. If Biden emerges as the Democratic candidate and Trump wins the Republican ticket, Americans could witness a rematch of their historic 2020 election face-off. Other potential Democratic contenders include environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and author Marianne Williamson.
If re-elected, Biden, who already holds the record as the oldest U.S. president, will be 86 by the end of his second term. In contrast, Trump would finish his potential term in 2024 at 82 years old.
**In an increasingly chaotic election season, stay tuned for more updates as Mike Pence and other high-profile candidates throw their hats into the 2024 presidential race.**
