After failing to make the first debate of the 2024 cycle, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez bowed out of the Republican presidential primary this week.
In June, Suarez filed paperwork to launch his presidential bid. But he garnered little momentum and failed to meet the requirements to make the debate stage in Milwaukee last week.
With little momentum and failing to make a dent in the polls, Suarez announced on Tuesday that he was suspending his campaign.
“Running for president of the United States has been one of the greatest honors of my life. This country has given so much to my family and me. The prospect of giving back at the highest levels of public service is a motivator if not a calling. Throughout this process, I have met so many freedom-loving Americans who care deeply about our nation, her people, and its future. It was a privilege to come so close to appearing on stage with the other candidates at last week’s first debate,” Suarez said before showcasing his record in Miami. “I had looked forward to sharing the story of Miami, America’s most successful city, especially at a time when so many cities are plagued with poverty, unemployment, high taxes, violent crime, and homelessness. I know what we have achieved during my tenure leading the city of Miami can be replicated in every community in our great country. The next president must play a major role in getting America’s cities back on track to safety, prosperity and a better quality of life for all.”
Despite floundering in the presidential campaign, Suarez said he was now bowing out of politics.
“While I have decided to suspend my campaign for president, my commitment to making this a better nation for every American remains,” he said. “I will continue to amplify the voices of the Hispanic community – the fastest-growing voting group in our country. The Left has taken Hispanics for granted for far too long, and it is no surprise that so many are finding a home in America’s conservative movement. Our party must continue doing more to include and attract this vibrant community that believes in our country’s foundational values: faith, family, hard work and freedom. Younger voters, independents, urban voters and suburban women- all of whom I’ve carried in previous elections – among others, should find a comfortable home in the GOP and its policies.”
Suarez took aim at the Biden administration as he left the race.
“The current administration is failing our country. Inflation remains high, elevated interest rates are punishing young Americans, the southern border is wide open, crime is rising, and our enemies and adversaries are growing bolder and stronger. We deserve better,” said Suarez.
“I look forward to keeping in touch with the other Republican presidential candidates and doing what I can to make sure our party puts forward a strong nominee who can inspire and unify the country, renew Americans’ trust in our institutions and in each other, and win.”
The son of former Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez, Francis Suarez was first elected to the Miami Commission in 2009. He was reelected without opposition in 2011 and 2015. In 2017, he easily was elected mayor of Miami, a non-partisan office, taking 86 percent of the vote. While he is a registered Republican, Suarez has been very critical of top GOP leaders, refusing to vote for then-President Donald Trump in 2020 or Ron DeSantis in the 2018 gubernatorial election.
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