2024 presidential candidates rally behind Pence after he suspends campaign

GOP presidential candidates rallied behind former Vice President Mike Pence in the wake of him dropping out of the 2024 race Saturday.

“My friend @Mike_Pence just gave a powerful speech to the @RJC supporting Israel,” former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Susan and I wish Mike and Karen the best as they continue to fight for conservative values and serve America.”

Pence announced the end of his campaign at the Republican Jewish Coalition Conference on Saturday, saying it was not his time.

“I’ve decided to suspend my campaign for president effective today,” Pence said during his address of the crowd. “To the American people, I say: This is not my time, but it is still your time.”

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott also honored Pence on social media.

“The Vice President has been a prayer partner, a friend, and a man of integrity and deep conviction,” Scott said on X. “The Republican Party is stronger today because of @Mike_Pence’s leadership. I have no doubt Mike and Karen will continue to serve this nation and honor the Lord in all they do.”

Pence ran against his former running mate former President Trump for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination in a crowded candidate field. Pence and Trump’s relationship deteriorated after the former vice president refused to overturn the election for Trump in 2020.

“Vice President Mike Pence is a principled man of faith who has worked tirelessly to advance the conservative cause,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote in a post on X. “Casey and I appreciate Mike and Karen for their willingness to put themselves forward in this campaign and wish the Pence family well in their next steps.”

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said Pence has “been a good man of faith.”

“He’s been a good man of service,” Haley said at the Republican Jewish Coalition Conference. “He has fought for America, and he has fought for Israel. And we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”

“Thank you @Mike_Pence for your service and for having the courage to be in the arena!” North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said on X. “Wishing you and Karen the very best.”

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he “was grateful for everything” Pence “has done for this country.”

“He has consistently fought for American values from his time in Congress to his governorship and serving the American people as Vice President,” Christie wrote on X. 

“Mike Pence stood for the constitution of the United States,” Christie continued. “He deserves our thanks as Americans for putting his oath of office and the Constitution of the United States before personal and political pressure.”