Mike Pence, Chris Christie, Doug Bergham: three Republicans preparing to jump into the race this week for their party’s 2024 presidential nomination, adding their names to an ever-growing list of candidates — which may benefit him Donald Trump.

He had commented on Fox News when asked about the candidacy of Nikki Haley, the only female Republican candidate: “The more the merrier.”

Unlike in 2016, when the billionaire surprised everyone when he won the Republican nomination and then the election, this time he is first in the intention to vote.

But the logic remains the same: the existence of a dozen candidates in the Republican primary, all of whom are trying to block Trump’s march, risks ultimately splitting the vote in favor of the former president.

Chris Christie: “Trump is Putin’s puppet”

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christiewho ran for the Republican nomination in 2016, is expected to announce his candidacy on Tuesday.

A former adviser to Trump, he cut ties with him after the attack on Capitol Hill. He has now scaled back his trademark attacks on the former president, something many are reluctant to do for fear of upsetting his supporters.

“He’s Putin’s puppet,” Christie complained after Trump’s remarks about the war in Ukraine. Besides, he does not hesitate to tease the former president for his many legal adventures.

“With the continued attacks on Trump, Christie’s campaign is sure to get a lot of media coverage,” comments US politics expert John Ellis.

Christie hinted that the former president might be “dreading” debating some of his Republican rivals.

The first debate is scheduled for August 23 in Wisconsin.

“The more the merrier”

Mike Pence: The friend turned enemy

Former US Vice President Mike Pence is also expected to announce his candidacy on Wednesday.

An evangelical Christian, a staunch opponent of abortion, Pence in 2016 had helped the former president win the votes of right-wing Christians.

After years of being a Trump loyalist, the former vice president switched sides after the Capitol attack. The rift between the two men diminishes Pence’s chances of winning the Republican nomination, as many Trump supporters see him as a “traitor.”

The…underdog Doug Bergham

To these nominations is expected to be added that of the governor of North Dakota, Doug Bergum, who is not particularly well known in the country.

Ron DeSandis: Trump’s great opponent

Pence’s candidacy risks hurting Ron DeSandis’ ambitions more than Trump’s. Like the former vice president, the Florida governor has a particularly conservative following.

Will it defy the predictions?

Trump’s main challenger, with polls putting him in second place, DeSandis hopes to defy predictions.

According to observers, he hopes Trump will be out of the game because of the many court cases pending against him.

DeSandis’ strategy is mainly to try to appeal to the former president’s many supporters while avoiding open criticism until the 76-year-old is forced to drop out of the race.

A risky bet: Trump, whose downfall has been announced many times, has so far managed to escape the scandals unscathed.

“The Republican primary candidates can do their best, but if the rape allegations (and the Capitol attack) didn’t sway Trump’s base, they won’t either,” he predicts. Amani Wells- Onioha founder of a political consulting firm.