Former United States Vice President Mike Pence officially announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential race, challenging former President Donald Trump. Pence filed the necessary paperwork and made the announcement amidst growing tensions between him and Trump, who have had a strained relationship since the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol.

Pence launched his campaign with a speech in which he touted his record as Vice President, particularly in the areas of national security and economic growth. He also emphasized his commitment to traditional conservative values and stated his intention to defend them against what he called the “radical left.”

The announcement of Pence’s candidacy has ignited a fierce debate among Republicans, with some rallying behind him as a strong, experienced leader, while others remain loyal to Trump and see Pence’s challenge as a betrayal. Some commentators have speculated that Pence’s candidacy could split the already fractured Republican Party and pave the way for a Democratic victory in 2024.

Meanwhile, Trump has not yet announced whether he intends to run for President again in 2024, but he has made clear that he will play a major role in the upcoming election regardless. He has been critical of Pence in recent months, accusing him of lacking the courage to take bold action to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

As the race for the 2024 presidential nomination heats up, all eyes will be on the Republican Party to see how they navigate the tensions between Trump loyalists and supporters of more traditional conservatives like Pence.