Two Major GOP Donors Who Backed Tim Scott Switch Their Support After He Suspends Presidential Campaign

Senator and presidential candidate Tim Scott has rescinded his bid to secure the GOP nomination.

Personally well-liked by many, the senator from South Carolina was never able to break into double digits in the polling. Many speculate Scott is on the shortlist to support the presumptive nominee, Donald Trump, in a key position in the Cabinet or as vice president.

The decision to suspend his campaign took many supporters and donors by surprise. The Washington Examiner reported that two key donors announced switching their support to Nikki Haley.

Former Scott supporter Eric LeVine shared he believes Nikki Haley, a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, now has the best chance at securing the nomination.

Reuters reported that LeVine will soon host a fundraising event for Haley and said of Scott: “[Scott] stepped aside with dignity. He is a true patriot. I could not have been prouder to have supported him,”

LeVine told The Associated Press: “[Haley] is our last best hope to defeat Donald Trump and then take back the White House.”

Other notable Scott supporters pledging to now support Haley include Andy Sabin and Chad Walldorf — both notable donors.

Scott’s decision to suspend his campaign follows former Vice President Mike Pence, who withdrew from the race two weeks ago. The announcements come a month before the next GOP debate and two months before the first primary.

The senator from South Carolina made his announcement on Fox News, saying, “I love America more today than I did on May 22. But when I go back to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate. I am suspending my campaign. I think the voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet, have been really clear that they’re telling me, ‘Not now, Tim.’”

Scott has not yet endorsed a presidential candidate and has indicated that at this time, he was not inclined to serve as Trump’s vice president.

At this time, Trump maintains a commanding 30+ point lead in polling. Trailing the former president are Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis — all running fairly close in the polling.

Of Scott’s decision, candidate Ramaswamy said: “Tim Scott strikes me as a good dude. … Wishing Tim all the best back in the U.S. Senate. I’m hopeful we can convince him that more Ukraine aid is an awful idea for America.”