In a surprising turn of events, former Texas Representative Will Hurd (R-TX) has decided to halt his 2024 presidential campaign.
The announcement, made on Monday, was accompanied by an endorsement for former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. Hurd lauded Haley as the "one person to defeat" both former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden.
Hurd's withdrawal from the race makes him the second Republican candidate to do so, following Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. "Unfortunately, it has become clear to me and my team that the time has come to suspend our campaign," Hurd declared in an online statement.
According to national polling averages by FiveThirtyEight, Hurd's campaign had been polling at a mere 0.2 percent. Hurd had initially launched his campaign with the belief that "Americans deserve better than the rematch from hell between Donald Trump and Joe Biden." He stressed the importance of the GOP rallying behind a single candidate to defeat Trump and lauded Haley as a "leader who can unite us."
Hurd stated, "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 urged donors, voters, and other candidates to rally around an alternative candidate to Trump, warning that failure to do so would result in a repetition of the "same errors as in 2016."
Hurd commended Haley for her foreign policy views and her "willingness to articulate a different vision for the country than Donald Trump." He stated, "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."
Haley expressed her gratitude for Hurd's "support and confidence" in a statement released shortly after his announcement. "America is at a crossroads and it's time to come together and make Joe Biden a one-term president," Haley posted online.
Hurd's campaign had not been able to secure a spot in the first and second Republican primary debates held this year.
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