Democrats are said to be preparing to face Vice President Mike Pence as a presidential candidate in 2020.

Earlier this month, Mr Pence vehemently denied a report that he was positioning himself to run for president, saying the assertion was “categorically false” and represented “just the latest attempt by the media to divide this administration.”

But the Democratic National Committee confirmed to Politico that it is conducting full-scale opposition research on Mr Pence and other Republicans it believes could challenge Donald Trump for the presidency – or would run in case the President does not seek reelection.

“With Trump’s tumultuous presidency in complete chaos, we are prepared for all scenarios,” DNC research director Lauren Dillon told the news outlet.

The DNC is also researching Mr Trump’s United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse and Ohio Governor John Kasich, among others. Mr Kasich ran against Mr Trump in the 2016 Republican primaries and has loudly criticised the President.

Mr Trump already appears to be working on his 2020 reelection bid as he continues to endure low approval ratings and criticism from other Republicans. The President is heading to Arizona on Tuesday for a campaign-style rally organised by his political operation.

Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Show all 8 1 /8 Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade A marcher hold a sign that reads "Love is Love is Love" on the National Mall with the Washington Monument in the background during the Equality March for Unity and Pride in Washington AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Marchers unfurl a huge rainbow flag as they prepare to march in the Equality March for Unity and Pride in Washington AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Marchers gather to hear speakers at the end of the Los Angeles LGBTQ #ResistMarch AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade Gil Mendez, of San Francisco, holds a sign to honor the victims of the shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando as he marches during the Equality March for Unity and Pride in Washington AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade An demonstrator looks on as LGBT members and their supporters take part of the Equality March for Unity AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade A marcher listens to speakers at the end of the Los Angeles LGBTQ #ResistMarch AP Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade LGBT members and their supporters take part of the Equality March for Unity AFP/Getty Images Thousands march against Donald Trump in LGBT rights parade A marcher mugs for the camera during the Los Angeles LGBTQ #ResistMarch AP

Kellyanne Conway, Mr Trump’s counselor, told George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s “This Week” that Mr Trump “plans on being a two-term president”.

“The president says privately and publicly often, George, that he’ll be there for seven and a half more years,” Ms Conway said. “It is absolutely true that the vice president is getting ready for 2020, for re-election as vice president.”

Mr Stephanopoulos asked if there was any concern that Mr Pence was running a shadow campaign. “Zero concern,” Ms Conway replied.

“That is complete fiction. That is complete fabrication. And I know that his advisors who had comments attributed to them have pushed back strongly, as has the vice president. And as am I right now unequivocally.”