Rick Perry, the longest-serving Texas governor in history and former Energy Secretary, has revealed that he hasn't "written off" the idea of running for president in 2024. In a recent interview, when asked explicitly if he believes Donald Trump should be the Republican nominee next year, Perry stated that he was still trying to sort that out for himself.
Perry's political career includes unsuccessful bids for the GOP presidential nominations in both 2012 and 2016. Despite his lack of success on those occasions, Perry remains a prominent figure within the party. He served as governor of Texas from 2000 until his resignation in January 2015 and later joined Trump's administration as Energy Secretary.
However, their relationship took a hit when Perry became entangled in a scandal related to Trump's dealings with Ukraine. The House select committee investigating the January 6th attack on the US Capitol identified him as having sent a text message urging an aggressive strategy against three state legislatures following the contentious election results. Although denying any involvement and calling it "misinformation," this incident cast doubt over his ties to former President Trump.
Despite these controversies surrounding him and his previous failed attempts at securing nomination within his party, Rick Perry is not ruling out another run for office. In addition to considering his own possible candidacy for president again, he also discussed potential future political allies during Sunday's interview.
One such ally could be Nikki Haley who has declared her intention to seek Republican nomination for president representing South Carolina come 2024 elections. As ambassador to the United Nations under Trump Administration she too witnessed firsthand some of its more turbulent moments but seems undeterred by them going forward into her campaign.
As we approach further into election season leading up towards next year’s primaries politicians like Rick Perry will have ample opportunity reevaluate their loyalties or perhaps even reconsider their own ambitions. Until more decisive actions and declarations are made, the future of the GOP's leadership remains uncertain.