In a significant turn of events, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, one of the remaining contenders challenging former President Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination, announced his withdrawal from the race on Sunday.

The decision came ahead of the New Hampshire primary, a pivotal moment in the early stages of the nominating process.

RON DESANTIS DROPS OUT OF PRESIDENTIAL RACE & ENDORSES DONALD TRUMP 2024 🚨 pic.twitter.com/9E0GnEhJUi

— CultureClipsTV 🇺🇸 (@CultureClipsTV) January 21, 2024

The video statement

DeSantis, in a video released from Florida, openly endorsed Trump, positioning him as the preferred choice over the only remaining challenger, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.

Despite expressing disagreements with Trump on certain issues, DeSantis highlighted his belief that Trump stands superior to both Haley and the current Democratic President Joe Biden.

The video captured DeSantis's acknowledgment of the challenges he faced after his second-place finish in Iowa and the subsequent contemplation with his family and team on the way forward.

The explanation

"If there was anything I could do to produce a favorable outcome — more campaign stops, more interviews — I would do it," DeSantis stated.

"But I can't ask our supporters to volunteer their time and donate their resources if we don't have a clear path to victory. Accordingly, I am today suspending my campaign," he added.

Shortly thereafter, DeSantis formally endorsed Trump, emphasizing that a majority of Republican primary voters desire to give Trump another chance.

Supporting Trump over Haley

DeSantis highlighted the need to move away from the "old Republican guard" represented by Nikki Haley and expressed concerns about returning to a form of "warmed-over corporatism."

He praised Trump's resilience against relentless resistance during his presidency and criticized Democrats for using lawfare to attack him.

Top Republicans close to Trump, including Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), responded positively to DeSantis's decision, with Blackburn praising the move. DeSantis's exit leaves Nikki Haley as the only serious challenger to Trump in the field.

As the focus shifts to the New Hampshire primary, Haley faces a crucial moment, needing to defeat Trump and secure a clear victory to maintain a viable path forward in the campaign.

Gov. Chris Sununu, a key supporter of Haley in New Hampshire, had previously suggested that finishing in second place would be positive for her. The withdrawal by DeSantis changes the dynamic, and the New Hampshire primary becomes a pivotal moment with significant implications for the trajectory of Haley's campaign with Trump potentially securing an early victory for the GOP nomination.