Trump, Pence, DeSantis to speak at NC GOP state convention in June

The top contenders for the 2024 Republican nomination will appear at the NC GOP state convention next month in Greensboro.

Former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will deliver dinner speeches on back-to-back nights at the event. Former Vice President Mike Pence will speak at a luncheon on Saturday, June 10. Trump will speak later that night.

Trump has announced a third bid for the presidency.

DeSantis and Pence are expected to run as well, but have not officially declared.

Trump leads DeSantis in national polling, but the two are well ahead of the rest of the projected field. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson are among several other candidates who have officially declared their candidacy for the 2024 Republican nomination. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, of South Carolina, are expected to join the race as well.

Trump endorsed now-Sen. Ted Budd at the 2021 state convention, helping Budd secure the GOP nomination and the general election. It was a surprise announcement.

Trump and Pence carried North Carolina in their successful 2016 campaign for the White House and again in an unsuccessful 2020 bid. Trump won the state with 49.8% in 2016 and 49.9% in 2020.

The state convention is June 8-11. Trump is scheduled to speak at the Grand Old Party Dinner at 6 p.m. on June 10. Pence is slated for the First in Freedom Luncheon at noon. DeSantis will headline the Old North State Dinner on Friday, June 9.

President Joe Biden, who defeated Trump in 2020, announced that he would run for re-election.

North Carolina is expected to hold its presidential primaries on March 5 along with a slew of other states, including Virginia and Tennessee.