Francis Suarez, the mayor of Miami, declared on Tuesday that he is postponing his presidential candidature, making him the first Republican primary contender to withdraw from the race.

Less than a week after being disqualified from the first GOP primary debate in Milwaukee, the longshot contender made his decision. Suarez has previously stated that if he failed to advance to the debate stage, his campaign would be over.

“While I have decided to suspend my campaign for President, my commitment to making this a better nation for every American remains,” Suarez wrote in a lengthy post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday afternoon.

Also read | Who is Roger Stone, Donald Trump’s ally?

Who is Francis Suarez?

Francis Xavier Suarez is an American politician who has gained attention for his innovative leadership and progressive approach to local governance. Born on October 8, 1977, Suarez has risen to prominence as the Mayor of Miami, Florida, a city known for its diversity, economic vitality, and cultural richness.

Suarez’s political journey is rooted in his deep connections to Miami. He comes from a family with a history of public service; his father, Xavier Suarez, served as the Mayor of Miami in the 1980s. Following in his father’s footsteps, Francis Suarez embarked on a career in law and public service.

In 2017, Suarez was elected as the Mayor of Miami, making history as the city’s youngest mayor in over a century. His tenure has been marked by a strong focus on technology and innovation. He has advocated for Miami to become a global tech hub, attracting startups, entrepreneurs, and tech talent from around the world. Suarez’s “Miami 2.0” vision aims to transform the city into a thriving ecosystem for technology and creativity, fostering economic growth and diversification.

Also read | Who is Perry Johnson?

Under his leadership, Miami has embraced cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, with Suarez even exploring the possibility of allowing residents to pay city fees and taxes using Bitcoin. This approach has garnered both praise and scrutiny, reflecting his willingness to embrace unconventional ideas to drive Miami’s progress.

Suarez’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic also demonstrated his adaptability and commitment to the city’s residents. He leveraged social media to provide real-time updates and engaged with the community to address concerns, showcasing a new level of transparency and accessibility in governance.

In the realm of environmental sustainability, Suarez has advocated for addressing the challenges posed by rising sea levels and climate change. He has collaborated with other mayors to find innovative solutions and secure resources to protect Miami’s future.