In a surprising turn of events, former Texas Congressman Will Hurd has announced the suspension of his 2024 presidential campaign, endorsing former South Carolina Governor and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. Hurd's decision to withdraw from the race and back Haley has added a new dimension to the already dynamic Republican nomination contest.
Will Hurd, who once served as a CIA operative before transitioning to a political career, launched his presidential bid in June. However, he faced an uphill battle from the outset. His campaign's decision to suspend operations was announced via social media, where Hurd stated, "it has become clear to me and my team that the time has come to suspend our campaign." This move makes Hurd the second Republican presidential candidate to exit the race, following Miami Mayor Francis Suarez's departure in August.
Hurd's political journey has been marked by his vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump, who is currently leading the pack in the race for the GOP nomination. Despite Trump's dominant position, Hurd has chosen to endorse Nikki Haley, a fellow critic of the former president. In his endorsement, Hurd emphasized the nation's need for a leader capable of uniting its citizens and adeptly handling national security challenges. He expressed his belief that Haley, with her experience as a U.N. Ambassador and her distinct vision for the country, is best suited for the role.
"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," Hurd shared on social media and in an email to his supporters. He further praised Haley's willingness to present an alternative vision for the country, distinct from Trump's, and lauded her understanding of foreign policy intricacies.
Haley's campaign has been gaining traction, with her performances in the initial Republican presidential debates earning her praise. Recent polls indicate her rising popularity, placing her second to Trump in states like New Hampshire and her home state of South Carolina.
However, Hurd's campaign faced challenges from the beginning. Despite his unique background as a former CIA spy and being the sole Black Republican in the House for a portion of his tenure, he struggled to meet the polling and donor criteria set by the Republican National Committee for debate participation. His decision not to seek re-election in 2020 further distanced him from the political limelight.
Yet, Hurd did capture national attention with his book, "American Reboot: An Idealist's Guide to Getting Big Things Done." The book, part memoir and part political strategy, was seen by many as a precursor to his 2024 presidential aspirations. In it, Hurd urged the Republican party to evolve its political approach and proposed reforms to ensure America's competitiveness on the global stage.
Reflecting on his campaign's journey, Hurd expressed gratitude for the support he received and highlighted the achievements of his team. He reiterated his concerns about the GOP's future if it continues to align with divisive figures like Trump. As he concluded his campaign, Hurd emphasized the importance of uniting the party to present a formidable challenge to both Trump and incumbent President Joe Biden.
