Republican Presidential Candidate Stuns Campaign Staffers and Donors by Dropping Out Live on Fox News
Republican Presidential Candidate Stuns Campaign Staffers and Donors by Dropping Out Live on Fox News
Republican presidential candidate Tim Scott shocked his supporters and campaign team by abruptly announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 race. The unexpected announcement came just two months before the start of voting in Iowa’s leadoff GOP caucuses, leaving many stunned.
Scott, a South Carolina senator, made the surprise announcement during an appearance on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Night in America” with Trey Gowdy, one of his closest friends. The news was so unexpected that some campaign staff members found out about Scott’s decision by watching the show.
“I love America more today than I did on May 22,” Scott said. “But when I go back to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate. 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.'”
Scott’s departure comes as the GOP field has struggled to gain traction in a race dominated by former President Donald Trump. Despite facing multiple criminal indictments and legal challenges, Trump continues to lead in the polls, leading many to believe the race is effectively over.
Scott, in particular, has had difficulty gaining momentum in the polls, despite significant financial support from high-profile donors. His positive campaign message often got overshadowed by other candidates, especially during debates where he seemed to fade into the background. It remains uncertain whether Scott would have qualified for the upcoming fourth debate due to higher polling requirements.
Scott is the second major candidate to drop out of the race since October. Former Vice President Mike Pence suspended his campaign two weeks ago, acknowledging that “This is not my time.” However, Pence was polling behind Scott and faced more significant financial challenges.
Scott stated that he would not immediately endorse any of his remaining Republican rivals, believing that the voters should make their own decisions. He also ruled out serving as vice president, emphasizing that it was never part of his campaign plans.
With Scott’s exit, Nikki Haley, Trump’s former United Nations ambassador and the former South Carolina governor, remains the sole South Carolinian in the race. The fact that both Scott and Haley were running created an uncomfortable situation for many donors and voters who had supported them both over the years.
Scott’s decision to drop out also led to some tense moments between the two during the previous GOP debates. Following the announcement, some of Scott’s donors expressed their intention to switch their support to Haley.
In response to Scott’s departure, Haley praised him as “a good man of faith and an inspiration to so many,” acknowledging that his participation in the GOP primary made it better.
Scott’s campaign team was taken by surprise, as they had sent out an email soliciting donations just minutes before his announcement. Campaign staffers expressed frustration, having recently shifted resources from New Hampshire to Iowa to boost Scott’s standing in the leadoff caucus.
Despite the shock and sadness among donors, many praised Scott for stepping aside to allow Republicans to unite behind an alternative to Trump. Some donors, like Eric Levine and Chad Walldorf, pledged their support to Haley, considering her the best chance to defeat Trump and reclaim the White House.
Scott’s former rivals in the 2024 race issued statements wishing him well, highlighting his conservative values and inspiring personal story. Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to the news, but some within his circle viewed Scott as a potential vice presidential candidate.
Scott’s future plans remain uncertain. He has previously stated that his 2022 Senate reelection would be his last, and there has been speculation about a potential run for South Carolina governor in 2026. With Governor Henry McMaster’s term limit approaching, the GOP primary is expected to be highly competitive.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post Republican Presidential Candidate Stuns Campaign Staffers and Donors by Dropping Out Live on Fox News appeared first on The Western Journal.
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