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OWOSSO, MI Fewer than 10 Black Republicans have ever been elected to state-level positions in Michigans history, something a growing pool of Black Republican candidates are looking to change in 2022.

Gubernatorial candidates James Craig, Austin Chenge and Articia Bomer, Trump-endorsed Secretary of State candidate Kristina Karamo and Daylen Howard, a 26-year-old resident of Shiawassee County running for a state House seat, are all vying for positions that could make them next.

But as they mount conservative campaigns theyre up against history: for close to a century, Democrats have been the party to elect most of the states Black lawmakers.

The voting pattern has become engrained, according to Wayne Bradley, the former director of African American engagement for the Michigan Republican Party.

Big cities historically led by Democrats produce other Democrats from those cities, making it a challenge to establish a grassroots Republican base. But that doesnt mean there arent Black conservatives living in those cities, Bradley said.

Theres no one there to kind inspire and guide people through the processes, Bradley said. I think the biggest thing is that Republican parties in general have not invested enough in urban communities where you can have these candidates. The ones that do win are typically outside of urban districts.

Howard, who is running in a rural district he grew up in, said those areas get pigeonholed as well.

If you watch the typical news when you talk about rural communities, that is where they would say racists mostly reside, which is not my experience whatsoever, Howard said.

The handful of Black Republicans running for office in Michigan this year will put conventional political wisdom to the test.

Historically, Michigan has elected few Black Republicans

Michigan has elected just three Black Republicans in the last 20 years: Former Sen. Bill Hardiman, who represented the Grand Rapids area from 2003 to 2011; Larry Deshazor, who represented the Grand Rapids area from 2008-2011; and Paul Scott, the former House member elected in 2008 who was the first Michigan state legislator to be recalled since 1983.

Going even further back, a Library of Michigan search for Black lawmakers returns five results: William Webb Ferguson, the first Black man ever elected as a state lawmaker in 1893; Charles Curtiss Phillips, elected to the state Senate in 1899, and served for just one year; Joseph H. Dickinson, a Michigan House member from 1897-1900; Charles Roxborough, Michigans first Black state Senator in 1930; and former Sen. Bill Hardiman in 2002 who represented the Grand Rapids area for eight years.

William Webb Ferguson was Michigans first Black lawmaker, elected to the state House in 1894 as Southern American states began deploying literacy and understanding tests to disenfranchise black citizens in the years leading up to the Jim Crow era, which barred Black people from holding office. A portrait of Ferguson has been hanging in the Michigan State Capitol since 2018.

Both Ferguson and Charles A. Roxborough, who became Michigans first Black state Senator in 1930, were Republicans at a time when the party was known as the party of Civil Rights.

Shortly afterward, Black voters nationwide began leaving the Republican Party due to the perception that Democratic organizations better represented their interests. As a result, Michigan, mirrors the rest of the country electing far more Black Democrats.

Today, there are 20 Black Democratic state lawmakers serving throughout both chambers. Democratic Lieutenant Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II became the states first Black lieutenant governor in 2018.

Charles C. Diggs was elected to the state House in 1941, the same time that fellow Democrat Horace A. White won a seat in the House of Representatives. It was the first time in state history two African Americans served simultaneously in the Michigan Legislature.

A decade later, in 1951, Diggs son Charles Diggs was the first African American to be elected to Congress by the state.

He received national attention for being the only congressman to attend the trial of Emmitt Till, a Black teenager who was murdered. Despite being a member of Congress, Diggs received Jim Crow treatment in the Mississippi courtroom as he was ordered by the sheriff to sit at a small table with Black reporters.

Black Democrats have flourished in Michigan since the federal Voting Rights Act, which required the creation of districts with a majority of Black or other minority racial or ethnic group voters in places where the white population has a history of preventing them from electing their chosen representatives.

But in the modern era of Americas political parties, electing Black Republicans has been almost unheard of. Michigan is one of many states to have never elected a Black Republican to Congress.

John James was Michigans most recent high profile Black Republican candidate, losing to Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, in what was a closely-watched 2019 Senate race. James would have been Michigans first Black Republican Senator and the countys ninth Black Senator since the 1940s had he defeated Peters.

Like many Black Republican candidates before him, James didnt focus on race during his run for office, but also displayed an understanding of its impact on the country that white Republicans typically do not.

Can Republicans win over Black voters?

Its going to take more than holding strong traditional conservative positions to win over Black votes in urban areas, says Bradley, who after leaving the party consulted for James campaign and former Attorney General Bill Schuette. Republicans will need to appeal to suburban and some urban voters, too, he said.

He doesnt question whether its leadership is committed to making an impact with urban voters. But he does think candidates need to do a better job of working with some of the communities they call on for support.

A lot of it comes down to being there, Bradley said. You cant ask people to support you when youre doing it from an ivory tower, you have to go and talk to the folks. Because most of our elected officials arent from that community, thats not their responsibility, so to say, and thats where Black folks like myself, other Black conservatives can come in and talk about those issues.

Bradley said that in order for Black Republicans to earn the trust of Black communities, candidates need to show that theyre able to stand up to positions held by their party they dont agree with. Black candidates cant just be essentially a blank check for whatever Republicans want to talk about, he said.

Bradley, a lifetime member of Detroits NAACP branch disagrees with some ideas currently held by much of the Republican base, like voter fraud or support for a future Trump presidential run. But he has no plans on giving up his support for conservative Republican candidates who reflect his values, and says he sees James Craig as the Republican primary favorite.

If Black Republicans want to win statewide races, theyre going to have to appeal to urban voters, Bradley said.

Most Republicans Im not going to say everyone is like that are looking for the person who best represents their values, Bradley said. A lot of these guys... theyre transmitting the values of the Republican Party and they just happen to be Black. Most white Republicans dont look at Black politicians and say Oh, hes the Black guy, they think hes the right guy.

If youre representing their values, most Republican voters dont care about what color you are, argues former state Rep. Larry Deshazor.

People knew me, so me being Black was only an issue to the far right and the far left because they didnt know how to handle that, Deshazor told MLive in a phone interview.

Deshazor, who now lives in Texas part-time had served Portage city council in Kalamazoo County before serving in the Michigan Legislature from 2009-2011.

He was elected by a mostly white district representing the city of Portage, Texas Township, Kalamazoo Township and part of Kalamazoo.

People were surprised that I was a Republican, but folks who really knew me say Im an independent, I didnt go with the status quo, Deshazor said.

People assume African Americans are Democrats, he said, but there are a lot of African Americans that are independent, conservative, Republican that are just in the closet. They dont want to be chastised by their own people.

Deshazor said that greater priorities like just figuring out how to make a living, have hindered Black conservatives from organizing successfully in the last decades. However, today, he thinks Black Americans are moving toward a more independent way of thinking that more closely aligns with the Republican Party.

I think African Americans are starting to think more and more about where they align in a socio-economic spectrum and more and more are thinking, Hey, wait a minute, I dont necessarily agree with everything the Democratic Party is all about, Deshazor said. As an African American youre always going to get some resistance a little bit. Youre going to get people who question you on certain issues... But you just stick to the work at hand, youll be fine.

Here are the five Black Republican candidates running in 2022:

James Craig, gubernatorial candidate

Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig speaks at a relocated press conference announcing his candidacy for governor at 200 Walker St. in Detroit on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. Craig's originally planned press conference on Belle Isle was interrupted by a Detroit Will Breathe protest, causing him to quickly announce his candidacy over a microphone before leaving for a second event on private property.Jacob Hamilton | The Ann Arbor News

Craigs background in leadership hasnt centered around politics, but law enforcement. He became the first Black police chief of the city of Cincinnati in 2011 before returning to Detroit.

Craig became a guest on conservative TV channels to espouse pro-police messages at a time when Michigan cities protested police violence following the 2020 murder of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, choked to death by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

His experience leading, he said, prepares him to be the CEO of Michigan. During his campaign Craig, 65, has spoken with business owners and charter school leaders about issues facing Michiganders.

I am a proven leader who refuses to be boxed in by the color of my skin or partisan affiliation, Craig told reporters at his second Detroit press conference, moved across the river after protestors interrupted his initial attempt to announce at a public park on Belle Isle.

Should Craig win the Republican primary and defeat Gov. Whitmer, he would become Michigans first Black governor.

Articia Bomer, gubernatorial candidate

Articia Bomer is running for Michigan governor as a Republican.

Bomer is also a Black Detroiter running for governor as a Republican.

An election worker at Detroits TCF Center for the November 2020 presidential election, Bomer whole-heartedly believes in the false theory that Democrats cheated to elect President Joe Biden. Joe Biden won Michigan by 154,000 votes and theres no credible evidence to believe otherwise.

Bomer is a Second Amendment advocate and says she was wrongfully accused of a gun charge.

She faces a crowded field of Republican candidates vying for their partys primary nomination but would become Michigans third woman and first Black woman if elected governor.

Austin Chenge, gubernatorial candidate

Austin Chenge is a Republican running for governor of Michigan.

Grand Rapids business owner Austin Chenge, 36, is running for governor and has made headlines for his controversial social media posts that include messages like the proposal to end Black History Month and his support for Jan. 6 rioters.

His Instagram page is filled with memes containing conservative messages opposing anti-mask mandates, immigration or showing support for national causes like the defense of Kyle Rittenhouse.

We all have a son like Kyle, young, brave & innocent... Chenge said in the caption of a post.

Chenge was the first Republican candidate for governor for the 2022 election when he filed to run in March 2020.

Hes a Christian who has no background in politics, but the spirit led me that when even when youre a nobody, just like David, God can lift you up to fight for the people, he told MLive in September.

Chenge says hes spoken to voters in every county in Michigan as part of his campaign.

Im the first candidate in more than 30 to 40 years to do that, Chenge said. ...I want people to know that in order to lead, really, you have to connect with people. Its not about making deals and acting like youve already won the primaries.

Kristina Karamo, Secretary of State candidate

Kristina Karamo, Republican candidate for Secretary of State, speaks as several hundred demonstrators gather for a rally Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021 outside Michigans Capitol in Lansing, demanding an additional investigation into 2020 election results. Conservative activists announced a petition initiative aimed at changing state law on post-election audits. The Republican-led Legislature has not acted on demands for a forensic audit from supporters of former President Donald Trump who believe the results were tainted by fraud. (Jake May | MLive.com)Jake May

Facing an uphill battle against incumbent Jocelyn Benson and other Republican candidates, Karamo would be the states first Black Republican Secretary of State.

Read more: Trump-endorsed Kristina Karamo leads fundraising among Republican SOS candidates, but trails Benson

Karamo reported receiving the most contributions of any Republican candidate running for Secretary of State during the latest campaign reporting period, raising $99,042.

Karamos campaign reports spending $30,765 and has $116,886 in cash on hand as she reported an ending balance of $48,942 on her last report filed.

Much of her expenditures have gone toward strategic consulting, online fundraising and billboard advertisements, reports show.

This is Karamos first campaign for statewide office in Michigan. She got a boost in September when former President Donald Trump endorsed her.

In a statement, Trump reiterated false claims surrounding Michigans election, asking Karamo to check out the city of Detroits election results.

She is strong on Crime, including the massive Crime of Election Fraud. Kristina will fight for you like no other, and of equal importance, she will fight for justice, Trump said. Good luck Kristina, and while youre at it, check out the Fake Election results that took place in the city of Detroit.

Michigan elected its first and only Black Secretary of State in 1971 when Richard H. Austin took over the position and served for 24 years. Austin was the first Black person to be elected to any statewide office in Michigan except the Supreme Court, and was also the first Black certified public accountant in Michigan. He served from 1967 to 1971 as the first Black Wayne County auditor.

Daylen Howard, House of Representatives candidate

Daylen Howard is running to be elected to the Michigan House in the state's current 85th District.

Daylen Howard is a 26-year-old Owosso resident gunning for the seat held by Rep. Ben Federick, R-Owosso, who is currently serving his final term.

He holds traditional conservative Republican small-government positions, is against Critical Race Theory in schools and said that in an interview with MLive that he never experienced true racism, growing up in Owosso.

Howard, who has worked in the jewelry industry since leaving college, formed a campaign committee back in June to run for the 85th District House seat, which represents his hometown Owosso, the cities of Corunna, Ovid and Bennington Township in Shiawassee County.

About 90,000 people live in the district, and 93% of them are white. Howard is part of the 0.4% of Black residents that live in the area that stretches from just north of Lansing, nearly reaching Midland County to the south.

He said he hopes his campaign inspires young Black conservatives to know they dont have to be Democratic to have a future in politics.

Theres many times in my life when I have been called an Uncle Tom just because of what my views are, Howard said. I think the way people vote has a lot less to do with race than we think it does. Its about values

Howard is the son of his white mother and Black father, and grew up in a single-parent household for 16 years before his mom met Howards step-father.

He would become the fifth Black Republican to ever be elected to the Michigan House if elected.

Link:
Michigan hasnt elected many Black Republicans. These candidates running in 2022 could change that. - mlive.com

Kelly Ernby, a political newcomer who ran for an Orange County state Assembly seat two years ago as a Republican, died this week of COVID-19. In addition to political activism, she worked for 10 years as an O.C. deputy district attorney.

Ernby, a Huntington Beach resident, was 46.

The Orange County district attorneys office is utterly heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Deputy Dist. Atty. Kelly Ernby, Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer said in a statement. Kelly was an incredibly vibrant and passionate attorney who cared deeply about the work that we do as prosecutors and deeply about the community we all fight so hard to protect.

Spitzer praised Ernbys enthusiasm as part of his agencys Environmental Protection Team and called it an absolute privilege to work alongside her.

News of Ernbys death surfaced Monday morning when local Republican politicians and party activists began publicly paying tribute to her.

She was very passionate about her love for politics, for America and the Republican Party, said Jon Fleischman, former executive director of the California Republican Party and a longtime Orange County GOP activist. She jumped into a race for state Assembly when not many people knew her, ended up raising more money and having a much larger grass-roots organization than expected.

In 2020, Ernby declared her candidacy for state Assembly in the 74th District and described herself as a political outsider. The district was anchored by Irvine but encompassed several coastal cities, Huntington Beach most prominently among them. In the primary election, she challenged Newport Beach Mayor Diane Dixon, a fellow Republican, for the chance to unseat Cottie Petrie-Norris, the freshman Democratic incumbent.

Ernby earned the endorsement of former Newport Beach City Councilman Scott Peotter, Dixons onetime colleague on the dais. She also enjoyed the support of Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner, former Assemblyman Jim Silva and Mission Viejo Councilman Greg Raths.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Ernby took a firm stance against a new state law tightening immunization rules for California schoolchildren when appearing in an online town hall on the campaign trail in November 2019.

I dont think that the government should be involved in mandating what vaccines people are taking, she said. I think thats a decision between doctors and their patients. If the government is going to mandate vaccines, what else are they going to mandate?

Dixon edged Ernby for second place by 4,000 votes before narrowly losing to Petrie-Norris in the general election.

A lot of people take their marbles and go home, but after losing her state Assembly race, Kelly got involved with the county Republican Party instead, Fleischman said. She took on the very important job of being precinct chairman, which meant she was finding captains, as they call them, in all of the different cities around Orange County in getting geared up for the next election cycle.

Ernby became an elected Orange County GOP central committee member in 2020. She was halfway through the four-year term at the time of her death.

According to Fleischman, Ernby was readying another state Assembly run in the newly drawn 72nd District when the two traded text messages last week. Ernby also confided that she had fallen ill with COVID-19, but Fleischman didnt expect her to die, calling her passing sudden, especially as the two planned to talk this week.

I found her to be funny and generous, he said. She quickly became part of the fabric of our party. Were really going to miss her. Its very sad.

During the pandemic, Ernby remained an ardent and vocal opponent of COVID-19 vaccination mandates.

As recently as Dec. 4, she spoke against such mandates during a rally outside Irvine City Hall. Organized by the UC Irvine and Cal State Fullerton chapters of Turning Point USA, the rally drew dozens in attendance, according to the Daily Titan, a Fullerton student newspaper.

Theres nothing that matters more than our freedoms right now, Ernby said.

The daughter of Navy veterans, Ernby grew up in San Diego. She earned a law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law and was recruited to join the Irvine offices of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Ernby took a significant pay cut in 2011 to work for the Orange County district attorneys office until the time of her death.

Ernby is survived by her husband, Axel.

More here:
Kelly Ernby, O.C. GOP activist and prosecutor, dies of COVID-19 - Los Angeles Times

Last month, CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner called Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) the most ignorant man in the United States Senate, adding and that says a lot. What Johnson did was oppose vaccination, saying Vaccinated individuals can catch COVID. They can transmit COVID. So whats the point?

The point is we dont know exactly how or why this happens. So it is better to be cautious until we know more.

Many years ago, I worked in the office of Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.), a former Harvard professor and probably the least ignorant member of the U.S. Senate. His aides were debating whether the Senate should support U.S. aid to the mujaheddin, resistance fighters who opposed the Soviet takeover of Afghanistan. One staffer said, Those people are ignorant religious radicals. How can we support them?

Sen. Moynihan became indignant. In my office, we do not criticize ignorance, he said. Most people who are ignorant cant help it. They had no opportunity to learn. The senator then paused for thought and added: Militant ignorance is different. Ignorance that is proud of itself, that holds knowledge in contempt that must be condemned.

What we are seeing right now in the debate over COVID is a lot of militant ignorance. The virus is changing in unpredictable ways and, as one expert put it to the New York Times, The guidance has to change when the science changes.

That kind of uncertainty causes people to lose faith in science and challenge expertise. Challenging expertise is an old political tradition in the U.S. Its called populism resentment of elites. In this case, resentment of educated elites, which is the driving force behind right-wing populism. (Left-wing populism is something else resentment of the rich, which also emerges from time to time. See Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersRepublicans, COVID, and the rise of 'militant ignorance' The Biden 2021 report card: The not so good, the bad and the ugly At least 20 states to increase minimum wage starting Saturday MORE (I-Vt.) for that.)

Back in 1975, according to the Gallup poll, 70 percent of Americans said they had a lot of confidence in science. Last year, that number had slipped to 64 percent. Why? Politics. The percentage of Democrats who expressed confidence in science went up 12 points. But the percentage of Republicans declined by an eye-popping 27 points. In 2021, only 45 percent of Republicans said they had a lot of confidence in science, down from 72 percent in 1975. Think of it: Most Republicans no longer have confidence in scientific knowledge. People start questioning the science, questioning whether or not we really know what were doing questioning, you know, Am I going to have to do this every six months? another medical expert said. The answer is very likely, yes.

That answer is not very popular politically. Which is why scientists like Dr. Anthony FauciAnthony FauciDefense Secretary Lloyd Austin tests positive for COVID-19 CDC to reconsider latest guidance amid backlash, rise in cases France requiring 10-day quarantine for unvaccinated US travelers MORE have become a target for conservatives. As the science changes, his advice changes. Ten-day quarantines used to be recommended. That recommendation has been shortened to five days.

Most voters see lack of certainty in leaders as a weakness. President BidenJoe BidenBiden tells Zelensky US, allies will 'respond decisively' if Russia invades Biden, Harris to speak on anniversary of Capitol insurrection Biden's court picks face fierce GOP opposition MORE, for example, is often criticized as a weak leader because he doesnt have the certainty of a Ronald Reagan or a Donald Trump.

Even Trump has run into trouble with his supporters because he has wavered on vaccinations. It used to be the case that Republicans opposed government vaccination mandates. Now they are turning against vaccination itself. One of President TrumpDonald TrumpCheney cites testimony that Ivanka asked Trump to 'please stop this violence' on Jan. 6 McCarthy says Democrats using Jan. 6 as 'partisan political weapon' Biden, Harris to speak on anniversary of Capitol insurrection MOREs strongest supporters, Rep. Marjorie Taylor GreeneMarjorie Taylor GreeneGOP efforts to downplay danger of Capitol riot increase The Memo: What now for anti-Trump Republicans? Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene says she's meeting with Trump 'soon' in Florida MORE (R-Ga.), tweeted that she spoke to former President Trump and I have President Trumps permission to tell you all that he is 100 percent AGAINST the mandates, but he still encourages everyone to get the vaccine and booster. That produced boos from some Trump supporters and criticism from far-right figures like Alex Jones who called Trumps words nothing but a raft of dirty lies.

One reason for the partisan divide over COVID is the growing diploma divide in American politics. Voters with college degrees are becoming more Democratic while non-college white voters are becoming more Republican. And Republicans are deeply resentful over what they see as condescension toward them.

A right-wing speaker told a church audience in Oklahoma that what he called the metropolitan elite want to crush you They call you the smelly Walmart people. They have contempt for you.

During a fight over mask mandates, a city commissioner in Enid, Okla., is reported to have told a local audience that America is in a moment when the people who ran things from the beginning mostly white, mostly Christian, mostly male are now having to share control. You dont just get to be the sole solitary voice in terms of what we do here, what we teach here, what we show on television here. You dont get to do it any more. Thats where the fight is.

Many Americans long for certainty in their leaders as a sign of strength. But education even science is not the realm of certainty. Religion is. Which is why religious differences churchgoers versus non-churchgoers have been increasing in the political spectrum alongside differences by education.

Bill Schneider is an emeritus professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University and author of "Standoff: How America Became Ungovernable"(Simon & Schuster).

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Republicans, COVID, and the rise of 'militant ignorance' | TheHill - The Hill

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The 2024 presidential election may still be three years away, but Republicans have already begun to jockey for their places in the primary.

Former President TrumpDonald TrumpCheney cites testimony that Ivanka asked Trump to 'please stop this violence' on Jan. 6 McCarthy says Democrats using Jan. 6 as 'partisan political weapon' Biden, Harris to speak on anniversary of Capitol insurrection MOREs repeated hints that he could mount another bid for the White House remains perhaps the biggest obstacle for other would-be contenders.

While none have spoken definitively about their plans for 2024, many potential candidates have already started networking with GOP leaders and donors in key states while testing out campaign messages in public appearances.

Donald TrumpTrump has been teasing the possibility of a 2024 comeback almost from the moment he left the Oval Office, and his hints have gotten more brazen in recent months.

Hes avoided offering specifics about his thought process, though hes repeatedly said that his supporters will be very happy with his decision.

A campaign announcement likely isnt imminent. In an interview with Fox News published in early November, Trump said that he will probably wait until after the 2022 midterm elections to announce whether or not hell make another run for the White House.

If he does jump into the race, hed start off as the instant favorite to win the nomination at least for now.A Politico-Morning Consult pollreleased in mid-December found that 69 percent of Republican voters want Trump to mount a 2024 comeback bid.

Ron DeSantisRon DeSantisEleven interesting races to watch in 2022 Ocasio-Cortez criticizes GOP for 'projecting their sexual frustrations' at her A truly 'patriotic education' requires critical analysis of US history MOREFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said that hes focused only on his 2022 reelection campaign, but that hasnt shut down speculation that a presidential run may be in the cards.

DeSantis became a conservative darling last year for his laissez-faire approach to the coronavirus pandemic and often indignant response to the advice of public health officials. Hes also crisscrossed the country for fundraisers and other events, leading many political observers to wonder whether hes looking beyond 2022.

Whats unclear is whether DeSantis would still run for president if Trump jumped into the race. Unlike many possible 2024 contenders, DeSantis hasnt said publicly that he wont run if Trump does.

Mike PenceMichael (Mike) Richard PenceWith two New Year's resolutions Donald Trump could secure a more favorable legacy This year, Mike Pence should resolve to become our next president What my 2021 inbox reveals about the 2024 GOP race MOREFormer Vice President Mike Pence would appear to be an obvious choice for Republicans in 2024, given the four years he spent as Trumps No. 2.

Hes visited New Hampshire and other early primary and caucus states, fueling speculation about his political ambitions. And notably, he hasnt ruled out a run.

I can honestly tell you in 2023, my family and I will do what we have always done. We'll reflect, we'll pray and determine where we might best serve, and we'll go where we're called, he told CNN during a stop in New Hampshire earlier this month.

Still, there are questions about just how viable Pence would be in a GOP primary. Trump and his supporters have expressed frustration with Pence for overseeing the certification of electoral votes on Jan. 6, and the former president said at an event in Florida this month that Pence had been mortally wounded within the GOP for his role in the election certification process.

Chris ChristieChris ChristieThe 10 Republicans most likely to run for president Chris Christie tries again 'The people' isn't a thing MOREFormer New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a onetime ally of Trump, has taken an increasingly confrontational approach to the former president over his false claims of fraud in the 2020 election.

Those jabs, as well as an increasingly aggressive public schedule, have sparked chatter that the former New Jersey governor may be eyeing another presidential run after his unsuccessful bid for the GOP nomination in 2016.

In public appearances, Christie has sought to outline a new direction for the post-Trump GOP, urging Republicans to focus on the future and move on from Trumps desire to relitigate the last presidential race.

But that strategy also risks isolating a Republican base that remains loyal to Trump and his vision for the GOP, and its not clear whether it will be a winning message in a 2024 primary.

Nikki HaleyNikki HaleyThe 10 Republicans most likely to run for president Will or should Kamala Harris become the Spiro Agnew of 2022? Haley has 'positive' meeting with Trump MOREFormer U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley is doing what most prospective presidential contenders would do as they weigh a run for the White House.

Shes formed a political action committee to boost Republican candidates ahead of the 2022 midterm elections and has made stops in early primary and caucus states, all the while trying to navigate the tricky political dynamics of the post-Trump GOP.

Since then, however, shes taken a more deferential approach to the former president. In April, Haley said that she would not run for president in 2024 if Trump does.

Ted CruzRafael (Ted) Edward CruzEleven interesting races to watch in 2022 2021's top political celebrity moments The 10 Republicans most likely to run for president MORETexas Sen. Ted Cruz sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 only to lose out to Trump in a particularly bitter primary. He became one of Trumps most vocal boosters on Capitol Hill during the former presidents tenure in the White House, but that hasnt stopped him from eyeing another presidential bid of his own.

He told the conservative news outlet Newsmax earlier this year that hes certainly looking at another presidential run, and he hasnt yet committed to foregoing a White House bid if Trump decides to take another stab at the presidency.

Asked on CBSs Face the Nation last month if he would challenge Trump in 2024, Cruz said that the former president would be very, very formidable before noting that he came close to beating Trump in the 2016 primary.

I came in second, Cruz said. There's a long history of runner-ups becoming the next nominee.

Mike PompeoMike PompeoUS 'concerned' over Iran rocket launch What my 2021 inbox reveals about the 2024 GOP race The 10 Republicans most likely to run for president MORELike Haley, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has launched a PAC ostensibly to boost GOP candidates in the 2022 midterms while also making the rounds in early primary and caucus states.

Asked by Fox News host Sean HannitySean Patrick HannityJan. 6 panel chair says 'significant testimony' shows White House 'had been told to do something' 2021's top political celebrity moments The 10 Republicans most likely to run for president MORE earlier this year whether he would run if Trump decides to take a pass on another presidential campaign, Pompeo said that he is always up for a good fight.

Kristi NoemKristi Lynn NoemThe 10 Republicans most likely to run for president McConnell urges Thune to run for reelection amid retirement talk Thune, Johnson say decisions on reelection bids expected soon MORESouth Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has repeatedly insisted that shes focused only on her 2022 reelection campaign and isnt planning a run for the White House in 2024. Shes also said that she wants to see Trump as the GOPs next presidential nominee, seemingly taking herself out of the running.

But that hasnt stopped speculation that she may have ambitions beyond the governors mansion. Noem is seen as a rising star among Republicans and has cultivated a national fundraising network that has observers wondering about her future ambitions.

Earlier this year, her campaign launched a federal PAC that can distribute funds into elections outside South Dakota and create a pot of money that could be used for a future federal campaign.

Tom CottonTom Bryant CottonThe 10 Republicans most likely to run for president GOP steps up flirtation with Manchin Kyrsten Sinema is less of a political enigma than she is a strategic policymaker MOREArkansas Sen. Tom Cotton has positioned himself as one of the Biden administrations most vocal opponents in the Senate, making frequent appearances on Fox News to criticize the president and his policies.

I expect I'll be back to New Hampshire again in the future,he told Insider.

Hogan has insisted that hes focused on completing his term as governor while trying to steer the country toward a more civil political debate. But he hasnt dodged conversations about a potential 2024 run entirely, acknowledging during an interview on CBSs This Morning earlier this year that he hasnt ruled it out.

Hogan is also one of the few prospective GOP contenders that wouldnt be deterred from running if Trump launches another campaign.

See more here:
The 10 Republicans most likely to run for president | TheHill - The Hill