Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is adding fuel to the fire over his possible 2024 presidential run after being announced as the headliner for a major GOP fundraiser in South Carolina. On Tuesday, South Carolina GOP Chair Drew McKissick announced Pompeo will headline the Silver Elephant fundraising gala next month.
The Hill reports:
“Secretary Pompeo is an excellent champion for our conservative cause, and has proven that here at home and on the world stage,” said McKissick. “We look forward to welcoming him to the Palmetto State, hearing his story, and celebrating past and future Republican successes.”
Pompeo, who helmed the State Department and the CIA during the Trump administration, has widely been viewed as a potential contender in 2024. Since leaving office, he’s looked to maintain his high profile in GOP circles, including by launching a political group in June to boost Republicans in the midterms.
The Silver Elephant gala is often headlined by lawmakers who are looking to lay out a path for the White House, including then-California Gov. Ronald Reagan, former Sen. Rick Santorum (Pa.) and Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas).
Speculation over Pompeo’s future ambitions have amplified as he travels to other early voting states, including Iowa and New Hampshire, which hold the first two contests in the nominating race.
Pompeo has remained tight-lipped over his possible plans to launch a presidential campaign. Sources close to Pompeo have indicated that if Trump decided to run again Pompeo will not challenge him.