Former United States Vice President Mike Pence has become the first Republican to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election race, as he aimed a parting shot at supporters of Donald Trump.
Speaking at an event in Las Vegas on Sunday, Mr Pence acknowledged his campaign had always been an"uphill battle," in the face of massive criticism from large parts of the party's base and a crowded field of candidates for the Republican nomination.
"We always knew this would be an uphill battle, but I have no regrets. The only thing harder than coming up short would have been if we'd never tried at all."The former Vice President has consistently struggled to gain support during the campaign despite having high name recognition and respect from within large parts of the Republican establishment.
Mr Pence had also struggled to win over large parts of the party's base still loyal to former President Donald Trump, who frequently attacked his old second in command and said he was lacking"courage." Picture: Ethan Miller/Getty Images As a former Indiana Governor and congressman, Mr Pence had lent Trump's 2016 election campaign conservative credibility and was a vocal supporter of the former President's policies during his four years in office.
Mr Pence's campaign ended September with debts of more than $980,000 and only $1.89 million in the bank, significantly less than his rivals.
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