Mike Pence Withdraws from 2024 Presidential Race
Former Vice President Mike Pence announced the suspension of his 2024 Republican presidential campaign during the annual Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) convention on Saturday. While he did not endorse any other candidates, Pence stated, "I came here to say it's become clear to me this is not my time."
Despite active campaigning in early voting states such as Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina since his campaign launch in June, Pence's bid struggled. Recent polls showed him in the mid to low single digits, and he faced challenges in fundraising. He had barely met the criteria for the first two Republican presidential nomination debates and was uncertain for the third.
Insiders attributed his decision, in part, to fundraising challenges, specifically the looming donor threshold for the Nov. 8 debate in Miami. Addressing the RJC crowd, Pence expressed no regrets and emphasized the importance of faith, family, and the U.S. Constitution.
Pence also urged the GOP to embrace its conservative foundations, distancing himself from the populism associated with his former running mate, ex-President Donald Trump.
Matt Brooks, the RJC's chief executive officer, lauded Pence for his consistent support for Israel and combating anti-Semitism. Although Trump did not comment on Pence's decision during his speech at the RJC leadership meeting, other key figures, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and Sen. Tim Scott, recognized Pence's contributions and leadership.
Pence's relationship with Trump deteriorated after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. While Pence labeled the incident "tragic" and maintained he upheld his constitutional duties, certain Trump supporters viewed him as disloyal for not contesting the 2020 election results.
Pence becomes the most prominent GOP contender to exit the 2024 race. Four other candidates, including ex-CIA agent Will Hurd, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Perry Johnson, and Larry Elder, previously withdrew.
Pence, throughout his campaign, championed the achievements of the Trump-Pence administration but sought a more civil political discourse. Echoing this sentiment, he once remarked, "You can disagree without being disagreeable."
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, among others, expressed gratitude for Pence's service and unwavering commitment to the U.S. Constitution.
Closing his campaign chapter, Pence acknowledged the potential for limited resources but stressed the importance of votes over finances. He remains the most notable figure to depart the 2024 GOP nomination race thus far.
