Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina has announced the suspension of his 2024 presidential campaign, surprising many of his aides and supporters. The decision comes as Scott faced challenges in gaining traction in the crowded GOP field, dominated by former President Donald Trump.

In an interview with Fox News on Sunday night, Scott shared his decision to suspend his campaign, stating, “I love America more today than I did on May 22. But when I go back to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate. I am suspending my campaign.” The announcement caught many of Scott’s aides and donors off guard, although signs of an uphill struggle were evident.

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Scott’s campaign struggled to break through, as the Republican base gravitated towards a more combative message, often championed by Trump. The super PAC supporting Scott withdrew its television ads in October, signaling financial challenges. A Republican official noted, “Tim ran an optimistic, hopeful message — but that’s not where the Republican base is right now.”

Scott emphasized that he will not endorse another Republican candidate in the primary, believing that refraining from making endorsements is the best way for him to be helpful. Additionally, he reiterated his lack of interest in a vice presidential nomination, stating, “Being vice president has never been on my to-do list for this campaign, and it’s certainly not there now.”

Despite Scott’s optimistic and positive campaign message anchored in conservatism, it struggled to resonate in a GOP primary dominated by Trump’s grievances. Scott’s positive approach faced challenges in a field where the former president took center stage.

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While Scott launched his campaign with a substantial war chest, his fundraising in the third quarter of 2023 was less than impressive. The super PAC aligned with Scott canceled a significant ad campaign, and sources indicated that financial constraints were becoming a significant hurdle.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a competitor in the GOP primary, expressed respect for Scott’s campaign and leadership. Scott joins the ranks of contenders like former Vice President Mike Pence, who recently suspended his campaign, and others who failed to qualify for debates and withdrew from the race.