TL/DR –
Former Vice President Mike Pence has ended his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, stating he struggled to gain traction in the polls and raise funds. Pence chose not to endorse any of his rivals and emphasized that he hoped for a future Republican leader who could lead with civility. Pence’s withdrawal draws attention to the influence of Donald Trump, whose popularity overshadowed Pence’s campaign, limiting his ability to secure a base of support.
Former VP Mike Pence Suspends Presidential Campaign
Former Vice President Mike Pence recently announced he is suspending his presidential campaign, citing the challenges he faced in fundraising and gaining support in the polls.
“It’s become clear to me: This is not my time,” Pence stated at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual gathering in Las Vegas. His announcement was met with surprise and multiple standing ovations.
Trump’s Influence on Pence’s Campaign
Pence has struggled to find support in a race dominated by his former boss, Donald Trump. Despite his position as a former Vice President, Pence found establishing a base of supporters problematic due to Trump’s transformation of the party.
In his speech, Pence encouraged Republicans to choose a standard-bearer that appeals to “the better angels of our nature” and leads the nation with civility. He did not endorse any other candidate.
Implications of Pence’s Withdrawal
Pence’s decision to withdraw saves him from potential embarrassment in the run-up to the third Republican primary debate, and from accruing more campaign debt. It comes as a setback for Pence, who was the most loyal lieutenant to Trump during their term together and was subsequently scapegoated during their final days in office.
Pence was seen as an enabler by Trump critics, and surveys show him viewed negatively by 57% of U.S. adults. His campaign was marked by an aggressive schedule, including numerous stops at diners and Pizza Ranch restaurants.
Challenges in Pence’s Campaign
Pence’s campaign heavily relied on Iowa’s Evangelical population and his hard-line views on issues like abortion. However, he struggled to make headway, even in Iowa, and his fundraising challenges mounted. His most recent campaign filing showed $1.18 million in bank and $621,000 in debt.
The Associated Press reported earlier this month that Pence’s team felt his candidate status risked diminishing his long-term standing in the party due to Trump’s leading position in the 2024 nomination race.
Future Plans for Pence
Despite ending his campaign, Pence plans to remain actively engaged through Advancing American Freedom, his conservative think tank. He also has a book scheduled for release next month. His group is expected to continue advocating for policies like greater U.S. support for Ukraine and proposed cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
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