Former Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence, has officially announced his bid for the Republican nomination in the 2024 US Presidential race.

Pence joins an already bustling line-up of Republican contenders including former President Donald Trump, his one-time ally, and Ron DeSantis, the prominent Governor of Florida.

Mike Pence’s Presidential Bid Confirmed

On June 5, the Federal Election Commission received documentation confirming Pence's campaign launch for the upcoming 2024 Presidential race, as per ABC News Go. Pence's formal campaign is set to take off on June 7 in Moines, Iowa, an event that coincides with his 64th birthday.

This long-speculated move by the former VP officially plants his flag in the 2024 presidential race. As Governor of Indiana, Pence was handpicked by Trump in 2016 to secure conservative and evangelical voters who were hesitant about Trump’s outspoken demeanor, according to The Guardian.

Despite a largely harmonious partnership during Trump's tenure in the White House, Pence's allegiance was tested when Trump disputed the 2020 election outcome. Pence rejected pleas to withhold certification of the electoral college results on January 6, 2021, which confirmed Joe Biden's victory. This decision, made amidst chants of "Hang Mike Pence" by a rioting mob at the Capitol, drove a wedge between the former VP and President.

“President Trump was wrong,” Pence declared, stating he had "no right to overturn the election." He expressed concern that Trump's rhetoric had jeopardized the safety of those present at the Capitol and his own family.

Mike Pence, Donald Trump, and Ron DeSantis: The Republican Standoff Begins

Pence's confirmed candidacy sets the stage for a face-off with his former running mate Trump, as reported by The Straits Times. He enters an arena filled with notable Republican contenders like Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Additionally, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie are anticipated to announce their own campaigns in the same week as Pence.

Pence's bid is expected to invigorate the conservative voter base, given his popularity among these demographics.

The 2024 presidential contest is shaping up to be a dynamic and vigorous race, with numerous Republicans having expressed their intention to run, and more announcements anticipated in the near future.

On the Democrat side, President Biden formally announced his intention to seek re-election in April.