Former Republican congressman and one-time CIA spy, Will Hurd, has announced the suspension of his long-shot bid for the White House in the 2024 presidential election. Hurd, known for his vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump, has endorsed former ambassador and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley as the preferred candidate for the GOP nomination. Hurd’s decision to drop out of the race comes after Miami Mayor Francis Suarez also withdrew from the presidential campaign in August.
In a statement released on social media and through email to his supporters, Hurd explained that he believes Ambassador Haley is the best person to unite the nation and tackle the complex challenges, particularly in the realm of national security. Hurd commended Haley for her ability to articulate a different vision for the country and her unmatched understanding of foreign policy complexities. The endorsement from Hurd adds to Haley’s rising popularity in the polls, positioning her as the second strongest candidate after Trump in New Hampshire and South Carolina, crucial states in the nomination process.
Haley responded to Hurd’s endorsement with a message on social media, emphasizing the need to come together and prevent Joe Biden from serving a second term as president. She expressed gratitude for Hurd’s support and confidence, highlighting the importance of saving the country.
Hurd, who had struggled to gain traction in the GOP nomination surveys, failed to meet the polling and donor thresholds set by the Republican National Committee for participation in the debates. As the only Black Republican in the House during part of his congressional tenure, Hurd decided not to seek re-election in 2020.
Hurd gained national attention through his book tour for “American Reboot: An Idealist’s Guide to Getting Big Things Done.” The book, which combines memoir elements with a prescription for political reform, sparked speculation about a potential 2024 presidential run. Throughout his campaign, Hurd criticized Trump and warned that the Republican Party would continue to lose to Democrats if Trump became the nominee. Despite his withdrawal from the race, Hurd reiterated his concerns about Trump’s divisive behavior and called for the consolidation of the party around an alternative candidate.
Reflecting on his campaign, Hurd expressed gratitude to his supporters and highlighted the accomplishments achieved in just 14 weeks. He acknowledged the challenges posed by higher-profile candidates with greater name recognition and financial advantages. Hurd concluded his statement by urging donors, voters, and other candidates to unite around an alternative candidate to Trump.
The 2024 presidential campaign continues to unfold, with endorsements and withdrawals shaping the political landscape. Former CIA spy and congressman Will Hurd’s decision to suspend his campaign and endorse Nikki Haley adds a new dynamic to the Republican race, as candidates position themselves to challenge President Joe Biden in the next election. Stay updated with the latest developments from the campaign trail by visiting our Digital election hub.
