FARGO — Former Vice President Mike Pence will launch his presidential campaign on Wednesday, June 7, a move that could take the spotlight away from the North Dakota governor’s announcement for a potential run at the office.
The Indiana Republican who served as President Donald Trump’s right-hand man is expected to announce before participating in a CNN town hall in Des Moines, Iowa, according to media reports. NBC News, which first reported the upcoming announcement, said Pence is slated to present a campaign video and give a kickoff speech.
Pence’s campaign will launch the same day North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum plans to make a “major announcement” in Fargo about the 2024 presidential race. He is largely expected to throw his name in an already crowded field for the Republican nomination.
Burgum will broadcast his announcement from the Sanctuary Events Center with a program that begins at 11:30 a.m Wednesday.
Burgum campaign spokesman Lance Trevor in an email to The Forum said "When Doug was building Great Plains (Software), there were dozens of other competitors, so it is no surprise that there are more than a handful of people in the race or considering a run for president."
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Trevor said the response to Burgum's announcement continues to be "overwhelmingly positive."
"In a crowded field, Doug would stand out as the only governor and business leader focused on the economy, energy and national security," Trevor added.
Burgum is seen as a long shot for president , according to political analysis. A recent CNN poll placed support for the North Dakotan among other potential Republican candidates at 1%.
Trump, who announced his bid for re-election in November, is widely considered the favorite to challenge President Joe Biden. The Democrat defeated Trump in the 2020 election.
The CNN poll listed support for Trump at 53%, followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who announced his campaign last month, at 26%. Pence had 6% support, according to the poll.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie also is expected to announce on Tuesday his bid for the Republican nomination in the presidential race.
Others Republicans who have declared a run for president include former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott from South Carolina, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Texas businessman Ryan Binkley, conservative talk show host Larry Elder, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and failed Michigan governor hopeful Perry Johnson.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem also has said she is not ruling out a presidential campaign, though she has in recent months stayed mum on the topic.
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The Trust Project
