Trailing in the polls, South Carolina’s Sen. Tim Scott suspends presidential campaign

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, who entered the presidential race with a $22 million war chest, announced Sunday he is suspending his presidential campaign.

Scott made the announcement on the Fox News show Sunday Night In America hosted by fellow South Carolinian Trey Gowdy.

Scott, 58, was unable to break through in the race for the GOP nomination, despite spending millions on television ads in the early caucus in Iowa. His campaign had said it started the race with enough money to run at least through the South Carolina primary, but with the low poll numbers he had recently decided to put all his chips in on Iowa.

“I think the voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet, have been really clear that they’re telling me, ‘not now Tim,’” Scott said to a clearly surprised Gowdy. “I don’t think they’re saying, Trey, ‘no,’ but I do think they’re saying not now. So I’m going to respect the voters and I’m going to hold on and keep working hard and look forward to another opportunity.”

Scott’s announcement apparently came as a surprise to many of his campaign staffers, according to Politico and the Associated Press.

Shortly before Scott’s interview with Gowdy, his campaign even sent out a fundraising email, giving supporters “one last chance” to contribute this weekend. The email then included links to donate to help keep campaign “momentum going.”

He was the last candidate to qualify for the third GOP debate in Miami, and faced a daunting task of qualifying for the fourth debate stage next month as the polling and donor requirements have increased.

In the latest Winthrop University Poll, Scott had only 6% of support in his home state of South Carolina, putting him fourth behind former President Donald Trump, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“Tim Scott is a good man of faith and an inspiration to so many,” Haley posted on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter. “The Republican primary was made better by his participation in it. South Carolina is blessed to continue to have him as our senator.”

DeSantis said Scott will continue to be a Republican leader in the future.

“Tim Scott is a strong conservative with bold ideas about how to get our country back on track,” DeSantis posted on X. “I respect his courage to run this campaign and thank him for his service to America and the U.S. Senate. I look forward to Tim continuing to be a leader in our party for years to come.”

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who failed to qualify for the second and third GOP debate and did not file to run in the South Carolina GOP presidential primary, said he’s “always been a fan of Tim Scott.”

“His departure from the race is a surprise and America will miss his hopeful message on our future. Despite our challenges, I share his optimistic view of our country and I will work hard to earn the support of his voters,” Hutchinson posted on X.

Scott sought to bring an optimistic message to the race, often pushing his life story of being raised by a single mother and starting his own business, eventually working his way up to the U.S. Senate, where he is the only Black Republican.

“I’m very proud of my good friend, Tim Scott, and the way he conducted himself during his run for President,” U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. posted on X. “Tim is inspirational, smart, and committed to the conservative cause. He will be a strong voice and leader in our party for years to come. When it comes to Tim Scott, the best is yet to come!”

Democrats were less generous of Scott’s departure from the race, calling his campaign a failure.

“We’re glad Scott finally sees what we’ve been saying all along: Voters want nothing to do with his dangerous MAGA agenda,” South Carolina Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain said in a statement. “Time for Scott to get back his day job in the Senate, where we’ll continue holding him accountable for the out of touch agenda we have no doubt he’ll continue to push.”

This story will be updated.