“Though it is difficult to accept, it is clear to me now that this campaign does not have the means to move forward successfully. My service to the country will not be as a candidate or as the nominee, ” O’Rourke said in an official statement.
He continued, attributing his withdrawal from the race to doing what he sees is best for the Democratic Party by giving the organization an opportunity to unify around a nominee.
He expressed gratitude to those who supported him, vowing to support whoever the chosen Democratic nominee is by saying, “I can tell you firsthand from having the chance to know the candidates, we will be well served by any one of them, and I’m going to be proud to support whoever that nominee is.”
On October 15, O’Rourke said he “couldn’t fathom” running for another public office if he were to be unsuccessful in his presidential bid. However, in a potential contradiction, O’Rourke alluded to a future run in the post, saying, “I’m confident I will see you down the road, and I look forward to that day.”
At the moment, O’Rourke is polling at two percent in RealClearPolitics’ average. He had not polled at or above five percent since early May.
He has lagged behind in fundraising too, posting a meager $4.5 million in the third fundraising quarter. At the close of the filing period, O’Rourke had $3.2 million in cash-on-hand.
Earlier today, O’Rourke’s fellow Texan Julián Castro announced he had raised enough money to keep himself in the race.
After O’Rourke made an initial splash in the first quarter of his campaign, few likely projected Castro would be the last Texan standing.
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Sarah McConnell
Sarah McConnell is a reporter for The Texan. Previously, she worked as a Cyber Security Consultant after serving as a Pathways Intern at the Department of Homeland Security – Citizenship and Immigration Services. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Texas A&M as well as her Master of Public Service and Administration degree from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M. In her free time, Sarah is an avid runner, jazz enthusiast, and lover of all things culinary.
