In a surprise announcement on Sunday night, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott revealed that he is suspending his campaign for the 2024 presidential election. Appearing on Fox News’ “Sunday Night in America” with Trey Gowdy, Scott cited the feedback from voters as the reason for his decision.
“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 said.
The senator also made it clear that he will not be endorsing any other candidate in the Republican primary race. “The best way for me to be helpful is to not weigh in,” he stated.
Additionally, Scott ruled out the possibility of running as a vice presidential candidate on the Republican ticket in 2024, saying that being vice president has never been on his “to-do list.”
Scott’s decision to suspend his campaign comes as a surprise to many, including his own staff. A handful of campaign aides confirmed that they were not given a heads-up about Scott’s decision prior to his appearance on Fox News.
BREAKING: Sen. Tim Scott suspends 2024 GOP presidential primary campaign
“When I go back to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate. I am suspending my campaign.”https://t.co/Vt1XdmNbxd
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 13, 2023
Scott, who is the only Black Republican in the Senate, launched his presidential campaign in May with a message of optimism and positivity rooted in conservatism. He emphasized the potential for anyone, regardless of their background, to achieve success in America.
However, his positive message failed to gain traction in a heated GOP primary race dominated by former President Donald Trump.
Scott’s early momentum took a hit at the first GOP primary debate in August, as he steered clear of verbal battles and received limited attention in the prime-time spotlight.
Despite a more aggressive approach at the second debate in September, Scott continued to lag behind frontrunners Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. His lackluster performance in the polls was a major obstacle towards qualifying for future debates and garnering enough support to secure the nomination.
Facing financial challenges and struggling to gain momentum, Scott’s campaign shifted its focus to Iowa in an attempt to gain ground in the Republican primary, but it was ultimately not enough.
In a sign of his campaign’s troubles, the Scott-aligned super PAC recently canceled a massive ad blitz in support of the senator’s presidential bid.
In the third quarter of the year, Scott’s fundraising was also underwhelming, with only $14 million left in campaign cash.
Reacting to Scott’s decision to suspend his campaign, fellow South Carolinian and former Governor Nikki Haley praised him for his service and leadership in the party. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also expressed his respect for Scott as a “strong conservative” and thanked him for his contributions to the GOP.
Scott’s announcement comes as the field of Republican presidential contenders dwindles. Former Vice President Mike Pence dropped out of the race last month, and four other candidates who failed to qualify for debates have also ended their campaigns.
Despite the end of his presidential bid, Scott will continue to serve as a senator for South Carolina, a position he has held since being appointed by then-Governor Haley in 2012. While his political future is uncertain, Scott’s decision may open up new opportunities in the party for him down the road.