Popular conservative and former California gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder announced the end of his 2024 Republican presidential campaign on Thursday, throwing his support behind former President Donald Trump.
“I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to all of you who have supported me throughout this presidential campaign. I have been truly honored by the enthusiasm and dedication of all the grassroots support as we held the establishment party bosses accountable,” Elder said in a statement announcing the suspension of his campaign for president.
Elder went on to endorse Trump for president, saying his leadership “has been instrumental in advancing conservative, America-first principles and policies that have benefited our great nation.”
“We must unite behind Donald Trump to beat Joe Biden and fight back against Biden’s unprecedented election interference and the left’s destruction of America,” Elder continued.
Elder said that while he’s suspending his campaign, he remains committed to “addressing the crisis of fatherlessness, promoting conservative ideals, and supporting the MAGA movement.”
“I will continue to work tirelessly to advocate for the issues that matter most to the American people,” Elder added.
Elder launched his campaign for president in April, making the announcement on then-Fox News host Tucker Carlson’s popular show.
“The reason I’m doing this is because, you know, my father was a World War II vet. He served on the island of Guam. He was a Marine – first black Marines, they were called ‘Montford Point Marines.’ My late older brother Kirk was in the Navy during the Vietnam era and my little brother Dennis actually served in Vietnam in the Army. I’m the only one that didn’t serve and I don’t feel good about that,” Elder explained at the time. “I feel I have a moral, religious and patriotic duty to give back to a country that’s been so good to my family and to me. That is why I’m doing this, Tucker.”