Republican Tim Scott Suspends Presidential Campaign

GOP hopeful and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott announced he is suspending his presidential campaign.

The Details: Scott made the announcement in a TV interview on Fox News (Right bias) with host and longtime friend Trey Gowdy. The announcement reportedly came as a shock to his campaign team and close allies. Scott confirmed a statement he made earlier in the race, that he is not looking to be a vice presidential pick, and did not endorse any other candidates in the race. BBC (Center bias) said some major donors who supported Scott’s candidacy are now shifting their allegiance to former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.

For Context: Scott announced his candidacy in May, but never exceeded single digits in the polls. Scott backed into the third GOP debate, qualifying much later than his opponents, and remained at risk of not reaching the higher thresholds required for the next one. Less than 30 minutes before making the announcement on air, his campaign sent out a fundraising email with the subject line “One last chance.”

Key Quotes: Scott, in conversation with Gowdy, said, “When I go back to Iowa it will not be as a presidential candidate,” adding, “The voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet… They’re telling me, ‘not now, Tim.’ I don't think they’re saying ‘no.’ But I do think they're saying ‘not now.’ So I’m going to respect the voters.”

How The Media Covered It: Sources across the spectrum covered the announcement similarly. Update 11/13/23 3:49 p.m. ET: Corrected grammar on Scott's quote to Gowdy.