Tim Scott 2024 presidential campaign
The 2024 presidential campaign of Tim Scott launched on May 22, 2023, when Tim Scott, a United States Senator from South Carolina, announced that he would seek election to the presidency in 2024. His entry into the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries followed his successful U.S. Senate reelection bid in 2022. On November 12, 2023, Scott suspended his campaign.[4]
Tim Scott 2024 presidential campaign
Tim Scott
U.S. Senator from South Carolina
(2013–present)
April 12, 2023
May 22, 2023
November 12, 2023[1]
Jennifer DeCasper (campaign manager)[2]
US$14,492,591.96[3] (December 31, 2023)
Faith in America
Prior to launching his presidential campaign, Scott had been discussed in the mainstream media as a potential 2024 challenger to former president Donald Trump's bid for the nomination. On the day he began running for president, the New York Times reported that Scott brings "a positive, aspirational message" to the Republican field.[5]
Background[edit]
Scott has been a U.S. Senator from South Carolina since 2013, having previously been a United States Representative from SC-01 (2011–2013), member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 117th district (2009–2011), and a member of the Charleston County Council from the 3rd district (1995–2009). Following former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley's February 2023 announcement of her 2024 presidential campaign, Scott stated in an interview that there was "certainly room for two" candidates from South Carolina.[6]
Commentators have suggested that the early date of the 2024 South Carolina Republican primary may play to the advantage of both Scott and Haley in the primary.[7][8] If nominated, he would be the first African-American presidential nominee of the Republican Party, and if elected, would be the first African-American Republican president of the United States and the second African-American president overall after Barack Obama.[9]
Presidential debates[edit]
At the first Republican presidential debate, Scott appeared alongside Ron DeSantis, Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy, Asa Hutchinson, and Doug Burgum.[21] The Hill named DeSantis, Scott, Burgum, and Hutchinson the debate's losers, noting that Scott was "well-liked by many Republicans but his low-key affability isn’t ideal for contentious debate nights."[22] Anthony Zurcher of BBC wrote that Scott's choice to stay above the fray "won't help him win over many voters, but it could burnish his credentials if he wants to be Mr Trump's vice-presidential pick."[23] A post-debate poll, conducted by JL Partners, asked registered Republican voters who gave the best performance in the debate. Scott came in fourth place with 8%.[24]