Republican Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina has officially withdrawn from the US presidential race. Acknowledging the dominance of Donald Trump in the primary polls, Scott admitted the improbability of winning the Republican nomination.
He announced his decision on Fox News and acknowledged the voters’ message, quoting them as saying, “Not now, Tim.” This withdrawal, reported by The Guardian, slightly alters the dynamics in the race to challenge frontrunner Donald Trump.
Scott, the only Black Republican Senator, launched his White House bid six months ago with an optimistic vision for America. He often shared his personal story of being raised by a single mother, using it to champion America’s greatness and criticize Joe Biden and the Democrats for their policies.
However, to bolster his campaign, Scott recently adopted a darker tone, notably making controversial remarks about Black Americans and historical events. His comments on slavery and President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society program, along with his criticism of Biden’s handling of the Hamas attacks, sparked considerable backlash.
Despite his shift to more severe rhetoric, Scott failed to gain significant traction in national primary polls. With persistently low support, he saw no viable path to securing the Republican nomination, leading to the end of his campaign. His departure from the race marks the conclusion of a campaign struggling to find footing in a crowded and competitive field.