Todd Young, other 2024 Republican rivals react to Mike Pence's withdrawal on social media
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Former Vice President Mike Pence has dropped out of the race for the Republican nomination in next year's presidential election, as the prominent Hoosier faced the grim realities of dwindling voter interest and limited campaign cash.
The revelation, made by Pence at a Republican Jewish Coalition forum in Las Vegas, briefly kicked up social dust on X, formally known as Twitter. Reactions from fellow Hoosier politicians were not immediate, but several other Republicans vying for the nomination expressed swift cordiality.
Sen. Todd Young, who forcefully condemned former President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign but stopped short of endorsing Pence's bid, called the former vice president "a leading voice in the conservative movement for more than two decades" in a post on X.
Mike Pence has been a leading voice in the conservative movement for more than two decades. In every role, he’s represented our state and nation with optimism and integrity.
— Senator Todd Young (@SenToddYoung) October 28, 2023
"In every role, he’s represented our state and nation with optimism and integrity," Young said.
Rep. Jim Banks, an ardent Trump supporter, "wished Pence well in his next endeavor."
Mike Pence is an honorable man and a conservative leader who makes Indiana proud. I wish him well in his next endeavor. It’s time for Republicans to unite and do everything we can to win back the White House in 2024 to save our great country! 🇺🇸
— Jim Banks (@Jim_Banks) October 28, 2023
Rep. Greg Pence, the former vice president's older brother, had not posted anything as of 4 p.m. Saturday. Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, who joined the elder Pence as early supporters of the younger's presidential campaign, also did not immediately react.
Inquiries made to the campaign and state staff of Gov. Eric Holcomb, Pence's former lieutenant turned largest name on his presidential endorsement list, for reaction on Saturday were not immediately successful.
Pence, also a former Indiana congressman, ended September with only about $1.18 million in his campaign account and owed $621,000 in outstanding debts. His low polling numbers made it unlikely he would qualify for the next Republican presidential debate.
Some of Pence's 2024 rivals were far more prompt in reacting to his campaign's demise:
Vice President Mike Pence is a principled man of faith who has worked tirelessly to advance the conservative cause. Casey and I appreciate Mike and Karen for their willingness to put themselves forward in this campaign and wish the Pence family well in their next steps.
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) October 28, 2023
I am beyond grateful for everything Vice President @Mike_Pence has done for this country. He has consistently fought for American values from his time in Congress to his governorship and serving the American people as Vice President.
Mike Pence stood for the constitution of the… pic.twitter.com/k2ZkkTgc6C— Chris Christie (@GovChristie) October 28, 2023
The Vice President has been a prayer partner, a friend, and a man of integrity and deep conviction.
The Republican Party is stronger today because of @Mike_Pence's leadership.
I have no doubt Mike and Karen will continue to serve this nation and honor the Lord in all they do.— Tim Scott (@votetimscott) October 28, 2023
Several election watchers noted the similarities between Pence's failed bid and that of fellow Hoosier and former Vice President Dan Quayle, who campaigned for about half of 1999 before supporting future president George W. Bush.
“Do you ever worry,” I asked Pence, “about going the way of Dan Quayle: Being a vice president and then that being sort of the end rather than the beginning of something new?” https://t.co/8gZLbeeaW2
— Adam Wren (@adamwren) October 28, 2023
In the modern primary era, only two VPs have run for president without securing their party’s nomination:
Dan Quayle
Mike Pence— Bill Scher (@billscher) October 28, 2023
VP Dan Quayle’s 2000 presidential campaign lasted from April 14, 1999 to September 28, 1999.
VP @Mike_Pence’s 2024 presidential campaign lasted from June 7, 2023 to October 28, 2023. #Election2024 #nhpolitics #FITN #GOP #mikepence— Nathan R. Shrader (@NathanRShrader) October 28, 2023
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Rory Appleton is the pop culture reporter at IndyStar. Contact him at 317-552-9044 and rappleton@indystar.com, or follow him on Twitter at @RoryEHAppleton.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Mike Pence ends presidential bid: How rivals reacted on social media
