Former Vice President Mike Pence hints at a potential 2028 presidential run while urging the GOP to return to its conservative roots following disappointing midterm results.
Former Vice President Mike Pence has not ruled out a bid for the White House in 2028, stating that he has received encouragement from individuals across the nation regarding a potential presidential run. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Pence reflected on the Republican Party’s significant setbacks during the 2026 midterm elections and cautioned that the GOP risks further defeats unless it recommits to the conservative principles that have historically defined the party.
Although Pence previously indicated at a September event with the Economic Club of Washington that he had “no plans” to run for president or any other elected office in 2028, his recent comments suggest he may be reconsidering. In his first interview since the midterms, Pence expressed gratitude for the outreach he has received, saying, “We’ve been hearing from a lot of people around the country. I’ve been very humbled by that.”
While he did not provide a specific timeline for making a decision about a 2028 campaign, Pence emphasized the importance of winning the presidency in that election cycle. He stated, “The most important thing is that we win the presidency in 2028. And to do that, I think it will be essential that we focus first on what we’re for before we focus on who we’re for.”
Pence, who has seen his policy and advocacy organization, Advancing American Freedom, grow significantly over the past year, reiterated his commitment to promoting a mainstream conservative agenda that has characterized the Republican Party for the last five decades. He warned that without a return to core principles—such as a strong defense, limited government, fiscal responsibility, and the right to life—the party’s chances of success in 2028 would be severely diminished.
“The truth is if we don’t return the Republican Party to the principles of a strong defense, limited government, fiscal responsibility, and the right to life, it won’t matter who we nominate in 2028,” Pence asserted. He attributed the GOP’s midterm losses, which resulted in Democrats gaining a substantial House majority and regaining control of the Senate, to what he perceives as a shift away from conservative values under former President Donald Trump’s populist agenda.
Pence, who served as Trump’s vice president during his first term, remarked that “this version of Republicanism was just rejected by the American people” in what he described as “the wreckage of the 2026 midterm elections.” His comments come amid ongoing discussions within the GOP about the direction of the party and its future leadership.
In response to Pence’s remarks, White House spokesman Davis Ingle criticized him, stating, “Mike Pence’s total and complete lack of courage caused untold damage to our great country. If Republican voters cared what Mike Pence had to say, he wouldn’t have had to drop out of the presidential race months before the Iowa caucuses.”
Looking to the future, Pence expressed uncertainty but affirmed his dedication to advocating for the conservative principles that have historically led to the party’s successes. “I don’t know what the future holds, but all of my energies, all of my focus and my calling now is to be a champion and an advocate for the conservative principles that have defined our party, led us to our greatest successes, and always made America strong and prosperous and free,” he said.
When asked if he would support Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio should either seek the GOP nomination, Pence replied, “What I’m gonna be looking for is men and women who embrace that historic traditional conservative agenda of the Republican Party.” He contended that many on the populist right have criticized traditional conservatives, suggesting that they are out of touch with current realities. However, he believes the recent midterm elections have provided a clear verdict on their approach to Republicanism.
As the GOP navigates its path forward, Pence’s potential candidacy and his call for a return to conservative values may play a significant role in shaping the party’s future direction.
According to Fox News, Pence’s reflections on the midterm elections and his openness to a 2028 run highlight the ongoing debate within the Republican Party regarding its identity and principles.