Former Texas congressman Will Hurd announced on Monday his decision to drop out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Hurd, who entered the race in June, has struggled to gain traction in the polls and has failed to qualify for any of the primary debates. In a statement to his supporters, Hurd expressed his belief that it was time to suspend his campaign and unite the Republican party around one candidate to defeat both Donald Trump and President Biden. Hurd, an outspoken critic of Trump, argued that the former president's divisive and crass behavior would lead to a loss in a general election if he were to become the Republican nominee.

Hurd's endorsement went to former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who has been gaining ground on second-place candidate Ron DeSantis in recent polls. Haley, a former United Nations ambassador under the Trump administration, has also seen success in fundraising, having raised over $11 million between July and September. This surge in support is seen as a sign of growing interest in her bid to challenge Trump for the Republican nomination.

In his endorsement of Haley, Hurd praised her ability to articulate a different vision for the country than Trump and her unmatched grasp on the complexities of foreign policy. He stated that Haley is the best person to unite the country and navigate the challenges facing it.

Haley, in response to Hurd's endorsement, expressed her gratitude and emphasized the need for the Republican party to come together and make Joe Biden a one-term president. Hurd's decision to back Haley comes as a blow to Trump, who remains the frontrunner in the race for the Republican nomination. However, with Haley gaining momentum and support from influential figures like Hurd, the dynamics of the race could potentially shift.

Hurd, a former CIA officer, is known for his moderate stance on various issues, including voting against his party's efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and opposing Trump's border wall. His decision to endorse Haley reflects his belief that she embodies a more inclusive and unifying approach to politics.

As the Republican primary continues to unfold, the endorsement from Hurd and the growing support for Haley indicate a shifting landscape within the party. The race for the Republican nomination remains highly competitive, and it will be interesting to see how Haley's campaign progresses and whether she can challenge Trump's frontrunner status.