Former United States Vice President Mike Pence made a significant announcement on Wednesday, declaring his bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. During his campaign kickoff in Ankeny, Iowa, Pence delivered his strongest criticism to date of his primary opponent and former boss, Donald Trump. Pence expressed his belief that Trump “should never” hold the presidency again due to his actions following the 2020 election.

Recalling the events of January 6, 2021, when Trump asked him to block the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory, Pence emphasized the pivotal moment when he had to choose between Trump and upholding the Constitution. He declared, “I chose the Constitution, and I always will,” receiving applause from the audience at Des Moines Area Community College. Pence firmly stated that anyone who prioritizes themselves over the Constitution should never occupy the highest office in the United States.

Later in the day, during a CNN town hall in Des Moines, Pence reiterated his criticisms of Trump. However, when discussing the potential indictment of Trump over alleged mishandling of classified documents and obstruction of justice, Pence expressed concerns about the further division it could cause in the country. He hoped that the Department of Justice would find a resolution to the matter without resorting to an indictment.

Pence’s decision to enter the race adds to the growing field of Republican contenders, which has predominantly featured Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, another former member of the Trump administration, is also running against the former president. On Tuesday, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who once aided Trump in preparing for the 2020 debates, announced his candidacy with a strong anti-Trump message.

Recognizing the importance of Iowa as an early-voting state, Pence’s team views it as crucial to his chances of securing the Republican nomination. During his speech in Ankeny, which lasted over 30 minutes, Pence expressed pride in the achievements of the Trump-Pence administration. However, he emphasized that Trump was mistaken in his belief that Pence had the authority to overturn the election results. Pence declared his commitment to upholding his oath and ensuring the peaceful transfer of power under the Constitution and laws of the country.

Concluding his address, Pence emphasized the need for the Republican Party to embrace the principles of the United States Constitution. He proclaimed, “I stand before you today as a candidate for president to say to the Republican Party, the Republican Party must be the party of the Constitution of the United States.”