The race for the 2024 Republican White House nomination is about to heat up as two long-tipped contenders enter the fray.

Mike Pence

Mr Pence will launch his campaign on June 7 in Iowa, according to sources close to his campaign, putting him on a collision course with his former boss.

For four years, he was a loyal deputy to Mr Trump as his vice-president - until 2021's Capitol riot splintered their relationship.

The son of a Korean War veteran, Mr Pence began his career in conservative politics as a talk radio host.

He was elected to the House in 2000 and served until 2013, describing himself as a "principled conservative" and aligning with the Tea Party movement.

Mr Pence, 63, is a born-again evangelical Christian and his addition to the 2016 presidential ticket is credited with helping mobilise the crucial voting bloc on behalf of Mr Trump.

The two have largely kept their distance since, but Mr Pence has been in a delicate dance to avoid alienating Trump-friendly voters.