Miami Mayor Francis Suarez Suspends 2024 Presidential Bid

MIAMI, FL — Miami Mayor Francis Suarez on Tuesday suspended his bid for the presidency, becoming the first candidate to withdraw from the 2024 race after failing to qualify for the first Republican debate.

In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Suarez did not cite a reason for suspending his campaign but added, "my commitment to making this a better nation for every American remains."

"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," Suarez said in a statement.

The 45-year-old Suarez was vying to become the first sitting mayor and first Latino elected president. He launched his campaign just over two months ago as one of the last competitors to join a primary race that former President Donald Trump has so far dominated.

The son of Miami's first Cuban-born mayor, Suarez campaigned by talking up his role as the only Hispanic candidate in the race and his experience leading the world-known city of Miami, home to about 450,000 residents, and confronting crime and homelessness.

Suarez had been critical of Trump and didn't support him in the 2016 or 2020 presidential elections. But earlier this year, Trump's former White House counselor Kellyanne Conway floated Suarez's name as a possible vice presidential pick. And in the two months he campaigned, Suarez largely avoided direct criticism of Trump when asked about the charges he faced and said he would consider pardoning him.

Suarez, meanwhile, emerged as a critic of another presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, dismissing some of the state laws he has signed on immigration as "headline grabbers" lacking in substance. He echoed Trump's attacks, saying the governor doesn't make eye contact and struggles with personal relationships with other politicians.

Last week, Suarez told The Associated Press that he had qualified for Wednesday's debate, though senior Republican National Committee advisers who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to share internal discussions said he had not met the criteria.

Candidates needed to satisfy polling and donor requirements set by the Republican National Committee: at least 1 percent in three high-quality national polls or a mix of national and early-state polls and a minimum of 40,000 donors with 200 in 20 or more states.

Suarez did not endorse a candidate when dropping out of the race.

"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," Suarez said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.