Larry Elder mulling GOP presidential run, even if Trump joins race

Former California Republican gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder is mulling a Republican bid for the presidency in 2024, even should former President Donald Trump seek a return to office.

In an interview with the Des Moines Register, he told the outlet "I'm running for president. And I'm not running against anybody on the Republican side... I'm running against Joe Biden if he runs, or Kamala Harris if she runs."

The now 70-year-old Elder rose to national prominence as a Republican opponent to California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom during the latter's recall campaign. Though the campaign failed to elevate him to the governor's mansion, Elder has remained a rising political star within the Republican party.

He previously hosted a conservative talk radio show for decades until April of this year, according to The Hill. He is also the executive producer of two recent documentaries, "Uncle Tom," and "Uncle Tom II."

Much speculation has surrounded Trump's potential 2024 presidential bid. The former president has repeatedly hinted that he would mount a political comeback. In July, he told Vanity Fair "[w]ell, in my own mind, I've already made that decision, so nothing factors in anymore. In my own mind, I've already made that decision."

"I feel very confident that, if I decide to run, I'll win," he also said.