Former Texas Rep. Will Hurd Ends GOP 2024 Presidential Bid, Endorses Nikki Haley

Former Texas Congressman Will Hurd speaks to guests at the Republican Party of Iowa 2023 Lincoln Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 28, 2023. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Former Republican Texas Rep. Will Hurd is ending his campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination and instead throwing his support behind fellow candidate Nikki Haley, he announced on Oct. 9.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Hurd referred to himself as the “dark horse candidate” when he first entered the Republican presidential primary field back in June, noting that he expected the “path to victory” would “contain many obstacles.”

“I entered this race for a few simple reasons. First, to do what I can to ensure this experiment called America lasts for another 247 years. Second, Americans deserve better than the rematch from hell between Donald Trump and Joe Biden,” he said in Monday’s statement.

“Third, not enough people are talking about real, achievable solutions to the generation-defining challenges that are in front of us, including artificial intelligence, our new Cold War with China, and the complexity of the ongoing crisis at our southern border,” Mr. Hurd continued.

“In 14 short weeks, my team and I matched the accomplishments of many of the other candidates in the race who had significantly higher name ID and cash advantage. I am honored to have had the support of the people who made this possible,” he added.

Warning to Republicans

Despite his initial success, the Republican—who has not appeared on stage at either of the Republican National Committee’s two debates that have taken place so far after failing to meet polling and donor thresholds—acknowledged he had not garnered enough support to continue the race.

“Unfortunately, it has become clear to me and my team that the time has come to suspend our campaign. While I appreciate all the time and energy our supporters have given, it is important to recognize the realities of the political landscape and the need to consolidate our party around one person to defeat both Donald Trump and President Biden,” the former congressman and CIA officer said.

Mr. Hurd, an outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump, went on to urge American voters, donors, and candidates to support an alternative candidate to Mr. Trump or risk repeating “the same errors as in 2016.”

He also warned the Republican party that nominating President Trump “or the various personalities jockeying to imitate his divisive, crass behavior” will result in a loss.

Haley ‘Best Alternative’ to Trump  

“Our nation deserves a leader who can unite us and navigate the complex challenges we face, particularly when it comes to our national security,” Mr. Hurd said, adding that Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, was the best alternative to Mr. Trump and has “an unmatched grasp on the complexities of our foreign policy.”

“I wholeheartedly endorse Ambassador Haley, and look forward to supporting her for the remainder of this race,” the Bexar County Republican said.

Mr. Hurd’s announcement came less than four months after he launched his 2024 GOP presidential nomination campaign, vowing to bring “commonsense leadership” to America and take on President Trump.

However, the Texas Republican, who served three terms in the House through January 2021 and was the chamber’s only Black Republican during his final two years in office, barely registered in multiple polls.

Ms. Haley, who is also a former governor of South Carolina, thanked Mr. Hurd for his endorsement in a Monday statement on X, writing, “America is at a crossroads, and it’s time to come together and make Joe Biden a one-term president. Thank you @WillHurd for your support and confidence. We have a country to save!”

According to multiple polls, President Trump is still the frontrunner for the Republican nomination by a significant margin.