A Republican hopeful has dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and backed another candidate.
Former CIA operative and Texas representative Will Hurd said he will leave the race less than four months after announcing his candidacy. Hurd did not qualify for either of the two Republican National Committee debates.
Hurd called himself a “dark horse candidate with a path to victory that would contain many obstacles” in a post on X detailing his decision.
“Unfortunately, it has become clear to me and my team that the time has come to suspend our campaign,” wrote Hurd. “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.”
“If the Republican party nominates Donald Trump or the various personalities jockeying to imitate his divisive, crass behavior, we will lose,” he added.
Hurd went on to “wholeheartedly” endorse former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who is currently polling in fourth place among all Republicans who have entered the presidential race. Haley served as UN Ambassador under President 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,” said Hurd. “Ambassador Haley has shown a willingness to articulate a different vision for the country than Donald Trump and has an unmatched grasp on the complexities of our foreign policy.”
Hurd announced his presidential campaign in June and was the 12th Republican to enter the race. He served three terms in the House of Representatives between 2015 and 2021, where he was considered a moderate among members of his party. Prior to his time in politics, the San Antonio native worked for the CIA from 2000 to 2009 and went undercover in Pakistan. He has also worked for a strategic advisory and cybersecurity firm.
Haley thanked Hurd for his “support and confidence.”
“America is at a crossroads and it's time to come together and make Joe Biden a one-term president,” she wrote on X.
Trump still holds a significant lead over all other Republicans who are currently campaigning for the White House. According to a Morning Consult poll conducted between Oct. 6 and Oct. 8, Trump has record-high primary support with 61% of respondents indicating they intend to support him. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had the second highest support (12%) followed by pharmaceutical entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy (9%).
The poll found 6% of participants planned to support Haley, who narrowly leads former Vice President Mike Pence.
