Mike Pence, addressing an audience at the Jefferson Educational Institute in Erie, Pennsylvania, sparked speculation about his political future with comments that suggest he may consider a presidential run in 2028. This development comes after his unsuccessful bid for the presidency in the 2024 election cycle.
"I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future. I want to keep faith with these things that I know have always made the country strong and prosperous and free. And we'll let the future take care of itself." – Mike Pence
The speech, which covered a range of topics, turned towards the future when a co-panelist inquired about the possibility of another campaign. In a response that was both coy and reflective, Pence stated, "I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future. I want to keep faith with these things that I know have always made the country strong and prosperous and free. And we'll let the future take care of itself." This statement has been interpreted by many as leaving the door open for future political endeavors.
Pence's history in the political arena has been marked by his tenure as Vice President under President Donald Trump, during which he has expressed pride in the administration's accomplishments. However, the relationship between Pence and Trump became strained following the 2020 presidential election. Despite President Trump's assertions that the election results should be contested, Pence upheld the constitutional process and certified the election for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Since then, Pence has maintained a stance that is largely critical of President Trump, particularly on issues such as trade policy. At a GOP Jewish Coalition dinner, Pence reflected on his presidential campaign, saying, "It’s become clear to me: This is not my time. So after much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president effective today. We always knew this would be an uphill battle, but I have no regrets."
Adding to the rift, Pence has publicly opposed Trump's tariff policies. In a November 4, 2025 interview with Newsmax, he criticized the administration's shift away from "timeless conservative principles" and its embrace of what he described as an isolationist approach. This was followed by a call for the Supreme Court to overrule Trump's tariffs, which Pence argues are unconstitutional and harmful to American businesses and consumers.
In the political landscape, Pence's hints at a 2028 run and his critiques of the current administration's policies suggest a continued presence in the national conversation. While it remains to be seen whether he will officially throw his hat into the ring, his recent comments have certainly fueled discussions about the future of Republican leadership and the direction of conservative principles in the coming years.
