Pence and Cruz are very close ideologically, and Pence also has executive and media experience. Cruz’ pushing of OTC birth control pills for minors turns off Catholics like me, and should turn off parents in general. I worked for him, and donated for him, but Pence has earned the pole position for 2024 if he wants it.
Horse apples. That kind of thinking is what got us Bob "Tax Collector for the Welfare State" Dole as the nominee. There is only ONE way to earn the nomination: get a majority of convention votes.
Which is not to say I wouldn't give Pence due consideration if he runs.
(I'd like to see Ted get the nomination if only to see the haters' heads explode when Trump endorsed him.)