6 signs Mike Pence is gearing up for a 2024 presidential run


There has already been talk of former President Donald Trump's political resurgence in 2024, but what about former Vice President Mike Pence? Might he be launching a presidential bid of his own? Although official word has yet to come, some signs point to yes.
For one thing, Pence's Advancing American Freedom nonprofit group, staffed by some of his "top allies and ex-aides," is aiming to raise "a whopping $18 million this year," Axios reports. AAF could then use that war chest for pre-campaign activities like "polling and candidate travel," or "pour a chunk of its funds in to a supportive political group" if Pence does seriously enter the race later. A recent Wyoming retreat asked donors to "chip in a percentage" of that target sum.
The former VP has also been fundraising for high-profile Republicans, like House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Virginia gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin, Axios writes. Furthermore, he has traveled to Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina — all "key early primary states," notes the Washington Examiner.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Pence also recently visited to Nebraska to headline the annual "steak fry" alongside Gov. Pete Ricketts (R), as well as launched his own podcast, American Freedom, adds the Washington Examiner.
Last but certainly not least, Pence seems to have begun carving out a conservative legacy of his own, after having defied Trump and certifying President Biden's victory in January. His group, AAF, recently filed a pair of briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court, one looking to overturn Roe v. Wade, and the other aiming to "strike down limits on state education funding for religious schools," writes Axios.
"Subtly," adds the Washington Examiner, "the former vice president is communicating that he does not intend to allow Trump to dictate his political future." Read more at Axios and the Washington Examiner.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
Crisis? What crisis? How Lionesses made the Euros final against the odds
Amid injuries and questions about form, England's women are one step away from glory
-
What the Renters' Rights Bill means for landlords and tenants
The Explainer Reforms will give tenants more protection from eviction – but may result in rent increases
-
How potatoes became an 'unusual bellwether' in Russia's economy
Under The Radarp Spud shortages are pointing to a wider crisis in the nation's finances
-
Trump attacks Obama as Epstein furor mounts
Speed Read The Trump administration accused the Obama administration of 'treasonous' behavior during the 2016 election
-
Trump administration releases MLK files
Speed Read Newly released documents on the 1968 assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did not hold any new revelations, King historians said
-
Japan's prime minister feels pressure after election losses
Speed Read Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to remain in office
-
President diagnosed with 'chronic venous insufficiency'
Speed Read The vein disorder has given Trump swollen ankles and visible bruising on his hands
-
'Bawdy' Trump letter supercharges Epstein scandal
Speed Read The Wall Street Journal published details of Trump's alleged birthday letter to Epstein
-
Fed chair Powell in Trump's firing line
Speed Read The president considers removing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell
-
Trump trashes supporters over Epstein files
speed read The president lashed out on social media following criticism of his administration's Jeffrey Epstein investigation
-
Judge nixes wiping medical debt from credit checks
Speed Read Medical debt can now be included in credit reports