Tim Scott, Republican Senator for South Carolina, has ended his run for the White House. Speaking on Fox News, on Sunday evening, Senator Scott quoted Romans 8:28, which reads: “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
The latest casualty on the Republican campaign trail said, “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.’”
His decision to call it quits took many of his supporters by surprise. One unnamed staff member told Politico magazine they had “no idea” it was coming. Scott's campaign was reported to be well-funded, and according to Fox he was enjoying the highest approval numbers of any candidate that is running.
Contenders who drop out sometimes go on to be rewarded with a position in cabinet, if their party wins the Presidential election. However, Senator Scott refused to endorse any of the other candidates, saying only that he would remain involved, and was "committed to making sure that this country chooses the right person by enjoying the journey of just helping people everywhere throughout South Carolina and throughout our country”.
Scott has experience in economic policy as well as criminal justice. He was also chosen to give his party's 'response' to the State of the Union address in 2021, leading Fox News host Trey Gowdy to ask on Sunday, “Maybe I should ask the voters what it says about the Republican Party that someone with that resume is suspending his presidential campaign.”
The field for the Republican nomination for the Presidential election in 2024 is narrowing. Late last month, Donald Trump's former vice president, Mike Pence, also an evangelical Christian, suspended his presidential run due to waning support and poor fundraising saying, “this is not my time”.
Donald Trump is currently leading the race for the Republican nomination. The former President is still polling over 50 per cent, despite juggling his time on the campaign trail with having to appear in various state courtrooms, charged with multiple offences dating from his time in office.