Former Vice President Mike Pence officially joined the growing group of candidates vying to be the Republican presidential nominee of 2024 after filing paperwork Monday with the Federal Election Commission.
Pence is expected to publicly launch his campaign with a June 7 rally in Des Moines. He is also expected to hold several additional events in Iowa following his campaign announcement, including a 7 p.m. CNN town hall at Grand View University in Des Moines.
The former vice president was expected to launch a race for the GOP nomination as he set the stage for a presidential campaign, making regular visits to Iowa and New Hampshire – two key states early voting.
Pence has sought to distinguish himself from some of his main Republican rivals, including former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, on issues including support for Ukraine. Trump and DeSantis have suggested that opposing Russia’s war in Ukraine is not “vital” to US interests.
Contributor: Brianne Pfannenstiel and Stephen Gruber-Miller of the Des Moines Register
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pence files presidential campaign bid, joining crowded GOP field