(DCWatchdog.com) – Following a sixth-place finish in the Iowa caucuses, this candidate announced the suspension of his bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson in a statement from his “Asa for America” campaign, acknowledged his competitors, particularly congratulating Donald J. Trump for his Iowa victory.
Despite his cordial words towards Trump, Hutchinson has been a notable critic of the former president, especially over Trump’s alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
In his statement, Hutchinson reflected on his campaign’s core message, focusing on principled Republican values and truthfulness, particularly in regards to Trump, the current front runner. He expressed a sense of accomplishment in running a campaign that emphasized honesty and cautioning the GOP about potential risks in the 2024 election, while also presenting a vision for the country’s future.
Hutchinson’s campaign, however, struggled to gain significant traction. Polling data from FiveThirtyEight showed him averaging around 1 percent over the past nine months. In the Iowa caucuses, he garnered only 0.2 percent of the vote, trailing behind fifth-placer Ryan Binkley, a Texas pastor and businessman.
On the night of the caucuses, Trump emerged as the clear winner with 51 percent of the vote. Other notable candidates included Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, who secured 21.2 percent and 19.1 percent of the vote, respectively. Vivek Ramaswamy, who received 7.7 percent, dropped out of the race following the results.
In concluding his campaign, Hutchinson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the political process, emphasizing the blessings he and his wife Susan have experienced. His departure from the race further narrows the field of Republican candidates, with Trump’s lead indicating a significant influence within the party.
