In a surprising development, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has proclaimed the suspension of his presidential campaign. The sudden announcement, broadcasted live on television, left his own campaign staff in shock.
What Happened: In an interview on Fox News, Senator Scott unexpectedly announced the cessation of his presidential campaign on Sunday, according to Politico. The news left his own campaign team bewildered as it came without any prior warning.
The South Carolina Senator’s decision came after a period of low poll numbers. Despite this, Scott had recently affirmed his commitment to going all-in on Iowa to boost his chances in the Republican presidential race.
Financial difficulties were also plaguing Scott’s campaign, having spent $12.4 million while raising just $4.6 million in the third fundraising quarter. A fundraising email titled “One last chance” was dispatched just before the announcement of his campaign’s suspension.
The withdrawal of Scott from the race may disappoint many Republicans who saw his fundraising skills and moderate rhetoric as a viable alternative to former President Donald Trump.
Why It Matters: Scott’s campaign faced criticism from President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign, accusing him of hypocrisy over drug price caps, as reported in Benzinga. The issue revolved around senior citizen drug costs and the Inflation Reduction Act, which Scott had previously opposed. His contradictory stance on these issues might have contributed to his struggling campaign.
Moreover, former President Trump’s rising popularity, especially among Mike Pence’s voter base, as reported by Benzinga could have, could have made it even harder for Scott to gain traction in the polls.
Earlier, last month Pence bowed out of the the 2024 presidential race, marking the first withdrawal from the contest.
Photo via Shutterstock.
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