Two donors who supported Sen. Tim Scott’s (R-SC) presidential bid have switched their support in the wake of his campaign being suspended.
One donor, Eric LeVine, who was campaigning for Scott in New York, said he was caught off guard by the news but would be supporting former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley because she stands as the party’s best chance at winning the White House in 2024. (are these people high on drugs????)
“[Scott] stepped aside with dignity. He is a true patriot. I could not have been prouder to have supported him,” LeVine told the Associated Press. “[Haley] is our last best hope to defeat Donald Trump and then take back the White House.”
LeVine added that he is planning to host a fundraiser for Haley, according to Reuters.
Another donor, metal magnate Andy Sabin, said he would throw his support behind Haley. South Carolina donor Chad Walldorf, said he would be donating to Haley’s campaign now that Scott is out but praised Scott for suspending his campaign early enough that voters and donors could consider who else to support. A fourth donor, Jeff Burns from California, said he was leaning toward Haley but had not decided.
Scott announced the suspension of his campaign on Sunday night after spending months in the single digits nationwide amid a packed GOP field. The senator’s suspension is the second major exit ahead of the primaries, which start in January. Former Vice President Mike Pence announced his withdrawal from the race two weeks ago, in Las Vegas.
“I love America more today than I did on May 22,” Scott told Fox News. “But when I go back to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate. I am suspending my campaign. I think the voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet, have been really clear that they’re telling me, ‘Not now, Tim.’”
Scott did not endorse a different candidate, claiming it was not his job to weigh in on whom his supporters should endorse. Scott also appeared to rule out serving as one of the candidate’s vice president, claiming the No. 2 position was not on his “to-do” list.
Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND), and former President Donald Trump are competing for the Republican nomination. Trump is leading the pack, but Haley and DeSantis are vying to be the alternative to Trump. Haley is also seeing widespread support from independents should she be the Republican nominee.