US Elections 2024: DeSantis drops from presidential race, invokes Winston Churchill; Endorses Trump

US Elections 2024: In an unexpected video announcement preceding the New Hampshire Republican primary, where DeSantis had been polling in single digits, the Florida Governor stated that he didn’t see a “clear path to victory” for his campaign.

US Elections 2024: DeSantis endorsed of Donald Trump

Expressing his dedication to the Republican cause, DeSantis, in the nearly five-minute video on X (formerly Twitter), announced his endorsement of Donald Trump. He attributed this decision to the realization that “a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance.”

Acknowledging differences with Trump, DeSantis asserted his superiority over the current incumbent, Joe Biden, stating, “I signed a pledge to support the Republican nominee, and I will honour that pledge.”

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

- Winston Churchill pic.twitter.com/ECoR8YeiMm

— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 21, 2024

US Elections 2024: Responds to Nikki Haley

DeSantis also took a dig at Nikki Haley, the only remaining significant rival to Trump, describing her as part of “the old Republican guard of yesteryear.” In response, Haley emphasized her conservative credentials and asserted herself as the “only one” who can beat President Joe Biden.

US Elections 2024: Previous performance and New Hampshire dynamics

DeSantis had narrowly edged out Haley in the recent Iowa caucus, securing 21% of the vote compared to her 19%, while Trump dominated with 51%. Despite framing his second-place finish as a triumph, DeSantis faced challenges in convincing voters of his standing against Trump.

This strategic withdrawal allows DeSantis to sidestep a potentially embarrassing third-place finish in New Hampshire and aligns with the perceived trend towards a two-way race between Trump and Haley.

US Elections 2024: Surprise element and campaign plans

The news of DeSantis’ exit surprised many, especially as the campaign had confirmed plans for their New Hampshire election night event just a day prior. Speculations had arisen earlier as DeSantis canceled several media appearances and limited his schedule in New Hampshire.

Chris Ager, the state committee chair of New Hampshire’s Republican Party, commented that “the race has been moving toward a one-vs-one between Trump and Haley for a while,” and DeSantis’ withdrawal solidifies this trend.