Pence running in 2024 — and ‘has no plans to defer to his former boss’: report

Former vice president Mike Pence is preparing to run for the White House in 2024, whether or not his old running mate decides to run for re-election.

Donald Trump has been telling anyone who will listen that he plans to run again, and polls show he would almost certainly win a Republican primary campaign -- and the former president has been keeping an eye on potential challengers, reported Axios.

"Trump's most likely opponent is Pence, who — I'm told — has no plans to defer to his former boss," writes Axios co-founder Mike Allen.

The former president is closely watching Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, whose substantial weight loss has been noted by Trump aides, but none of them can imagine DeSantis or Pompeo launching a challenge.

"Trumpworld is more uncertain about Pence, who has been quiet about his intentions but maintains a strong and loyal team around him," Allen writes.

Nikki Haley, another potential contender who served in the Trump administration, has explicitly said she would not run if Trump does, while others have signaled the same intention.

"Pence has notably not made any such declaration," Allen writes. "And you know who's noticed? Donald J. Trump."