Miami Mayor Francis Suarez announced on Tuesday that he’s ending his bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, making him the first GOP contender to step out of the race.
This decision comes shortly after Suarez was unable to secure a spot on the Fox News-hosted GOP debate in Milwaukee, Fox News reports.
In his statement, Suarez emphasized, “I have decided to suspend my campaign for President.”
Nevertheless, he affirmed his unwavering dedication, stating that his “commitment to making this a better nation for every American remains.”
Standing out as the singular major Latino hopeful in the Republican nomination race, Suarez stressed the importance of the Hispanic community in American politics.
He highlighted, “The Left has taken Hispanics for granted for far too long, and it is no surprise that so many are finding a home in America’s conservative movement.”
Expressing his belief in the alignment of the Hispanic community’s values with those of the GOP, he noted the significance of “faith, family, hard work and freedom.”
He added that demographics like “Younger voters, Independents, urban voters and suburban women – all of whom I’ve carried in previous elections” should feel welcomed by the Republican Party.
Having formally thrown his hat in the ring in June, Suarez’s presidential aspirations were considered a long shot by many.
His absence from the stage at the Milwaukee debate last week did not go unnoticed.
Reflecting on the importance of these debates during an earlier conversation with Fox News Digital, he had mentioned, “for someone like me, it’s critical” to be present at such events.
Offering further perspective, Suarez had stated, “It’s very hard to get to a higher threshold to make the second debate if you’re not even on the first debate.”
Addressing the potential implications for candidates missing out, he’d pointedly remarked, “if a candidate doesn’t make the debate stage, doesn’t make the minimum thresholds, they shouldn’t stay in the race.”
He emphasized the value of time, saying candidates “shouldn’t be taking time or trying to take away time from people who are fighting to get their message out there.”