Mike Pence Abandons Presidential Aspirations Citing Inadequate Support: ‘The Moment Is Not Right for Me’

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On Saturday, former Vice President Mike Pence officially withdrew from the race for the Republican presidential nomination, citing insufficient fundraising and lackluster polling numbers as decisive factors.

“The realization has dawned upon me that the current political landscape is not conducive for my candidacy,” Pence announced at the yearly meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition held in Las Vegas. “After deep reflection and prayer, I am formally terminating my presidential campaign as of today.”

Acknowledging the obstacles, Pence assured his audience, who responded with both shock and applause, “This journey was always going to be arduous, but I depart without regret.”

Pence’s withdrawal has highlighted the powerful influence of his previous superior and current competitor, Donald Trump, on the Republican Party. Normally, a former vice president would be a strong contender in any party primary. However, Pence faced enormous challenges in galvanizing party support.

While he refrained from officially endorsing any of his competitors, Pence reiterated the need for a Republican leader who would personify the nobler virtues of the party. “I call upon my fellow Republicans to champion a candidate who will evoke the higher principles of our great nation and lead not merely to electoral victory but also in governance with decorum,” Pence commented.

Withdrawing over two months ahead of the pivotal Iowa caucuses saved Pence from accruing further debt and the potential humiliation of not making the cut for the third Republican primary debate scheduled for November 8 in Miami.

This marks a significant setback for Pence, who had long served as a steadfast supporter to Trump, only to face blame during their final days in office over the 2020 election. Pence, despite lacking the legal authority, had been accused by Trump of not doing enough to overturn the election results.

Pence found himself in an unenviable position, drawing ire from Trump supporters who felt betrayed by him, and skepticism from Trump critics who viewed him as an enabler. An August survey conducted by Big Big News-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed that 57% of U.S. adults held a negative view of Pence, with only 28% expressing a positive outlook.

Throughout his campaign, Pence endeavored to redefine his public image by embarking on a rigorous itinerary that included frequent appearances at diners and Pizza Ranch establishments. Focusing on Iowa, Pence hoped to capitalize on its significant white Evangelical demographic, emphasizing his conservative stances on issues like abortion.

Financially, his campaign had been lagging. As of the end of September, Pence had only $1.18 million in campaign funds and was $621,000 in debt, as revealed in his most recent financial disclosures.

Sources close to Pence had signaled earlier this month, as initially reported by Big Big News, that his continued participation in the race might adversely affect his long-term influence within the party, especially considering Trump’s formidable lead in the polls.

Although foreign policy had become a more prominent issue, following a recent attack by Hamas on Israel, Pence believed he could still advocate for his stances without continuing his campaign. His decision to make the announcement in Las Vegas was partly to address these foreign policy issues one last time before officially exiting the race.

Pence is expected to remain active in political discourse, primarily through Advancing American Freedom, his conservative think tank established post-vice presidency. The organization aims to further the policy objectives that were central to his aborted campaign, including bolstering U.S. support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and advocating fiscal restraint in entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare—stances once considered staples of the Republican establishment but now increasingly at odds with the party’s current populist orientation.

Contributions to this report were made by Big Big News writer Michelle L. Price in Las Vegas.

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