Former US vice president Mike Pence to launch campaign for presidency in 2024

A staunch opponent of abortion rights, Mr Pence supports a national ban on the procedure and has campaigned against transgender-affirming policies in schools

Mike Pence is to officially launch his campaign to run for president in 2024 (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Former US vice president Mike Pence is filing paperwork on Monday declaring his campaign for president in 2024, setting up a challenge to his former boss, Donald Trump, just two years after their time in the White House ended with an insurrection at the US Capitol and Mr Pence fleeing for his life.

Mr Pence, the nation’s 48th vice president, will formally launch his bid for the Republican nomination with a video and kick-off event in Des Moines, Iowa, on Wednesday, which is his 64th birthday, according to people familiar with his plans.