On Sunday, November 12, yet another Republican has decided to bow out of the 2024 Presidential Election. They keep coming one by one, and many wonder who might be next up on the chopping block.
Republican Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) announced that he was suspending his presidential campaign. He made the unexpected announcement during an interview with Fox News’ Trey Gowdy, who had previously represented Scott’s home state in Congress. This news surprised even members of his own staff, according to a report from Politico.
The South Carolina Republican stated that while he loved America more today than when he first began his campaign, the voters had been clear that they were not ready for him as a presidential candidate yet. He expressed respect for their decision and said he would hold onto hope for another opportunity in the future.
“I love America more today than I did on May 22nd, but when I go back to Iowa it will not be as a presidential candidate,” Scott said. “I am suspending my campaign. I think the voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet, have been really clear that they’re telling me ‘not now, Tim.’ I don’t think they’re saying Trey, no, but I do think they’re saying ‘not now.’”
“And so I’m going to respect the voters and I’m going to hold on and keep working really hard and look forward to and I’m going to hold on and keep working really hard and look forward to another opportunity.”
It remains uncertain what effect Scott’s exit will have on other Republican candidates, such as Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Although former President Donald Trump has maintained a significant lead in polls, it could be possible that these two contenders may benefit from this recent development.
However, it appears that Scott has largely been overshadowed by Haley throughout this race – particularly within his home state of South Carolina – since she served as governor there prior to her tenure as UN ambassador. It is likely due to this fact that his campaign never fully took off and why many were so surprised at its sudden end.