Former Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) has suspended his presidential campaign, leaving the competitive GOP presidential pool and throwing his support behind former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
Hurd, known for his pragmatic approach and commitment to steering the GOP in a different direction other than that of former President Donald Trump, cited the need for unity within the party as a primary reason for his decision.
“Unfortunately, it has become clear to me and my team that the time has come to suspend our campaign,” he wrote, adding that he entered the race to give Americans better than a contentious rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden.
“While I appreciate all the time and energy our supporters have given, it is important to recognize the realities of the political landscape and the need to consolidate our party around one person to defeat both Donald Trump and President Biden,” he went further, calling for donors, voters, and other candidates to rally around an alternative candidate to Trump.
The former Texas representative hailed Nikki Haley as the solution, as he praised her foreign policy views. He also presented her as a candidate willing to “articulate a different vision for the country than Donald Trump.”
“Our nation deserves a leader who can unite us and navigate the complex challenges we face, particularly when it comes to our national security. I believe Ambassador Nikki Haley is the best person in this race to do that,” he asserted.
When I first entered the Republican presidential primary field in June, I knew I was a dark horse candidate with a path to victory that would contain many obstacles. But as I traveled across the country, I met so many Americans who believed in my campaign’s message of unity and…
— Will Hurd (@WillHurd) October 9, 2023
In response to Hurd’s endorsement, Haley thanked him for his “support and confidence” and emphasized the importance of coming together to ensure Biden’s reelection efforts come to naught.
America is at a crossroads and it's time to come together and make Joe Biden a one-term president.
Thank you @WillHurd for your support and confidence. We have a country to save! https://t.co/lLDg0NegMd
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) October 9, 2023
Hurd would be the second person to exit from the GOP presidential race after Miami Mayor Francis Suarez who became the first candidate to suspend his campaign in August.
Hurd’s decision to suspend his campaign follows his struggles to gain traction in a crowded field. With polling numbers at just 0.2 percent, according to FiveThirtyEight’s national polling averages, he found himself unable to break through as a pragmatic moderate aiming to lead the party in a new direction. His inability to qualify for the two GOP debates in August and September further underlined the challenges he faced.
