Republican candidate Ryan Binkley has officially ended his longshot presidential campaign and thrown his support behind former President Donald Trump. The decision comes after Binkley failed to gain significant traction in any of the early nominating states, despite his persistent efforts since last April.
Binkley, a Texas pastor and businessperson, entered the race with hopes of offering a new vision for the Republican Party. However, his campaign struggled to gain momentum, garnering minimal support and lagging behind other candidates in key contests. Despite loaning himself over $10 million, Binkley only managed to secure just over 2,000 votes across four early-state primaries, trailing behind candidates who had already dropped out.
In a statement announcing the end of his campaign, Binkley expressed his endorsement of Trump, recognizing the former president’s continued influence within the party. He emphasized the importance of unity and support for Trump’s candidacy, acknowledging the challenges faced by the Republican Party in navigating allegations and indictments against Trump.
“While my campaign may have come to an end, my commitment to advancing conservative principles remains steadfast,” Binkley stated. “I believe that President Trump is best positioned to lead our party and our nation forward, and he will have my full support moving forward.”
Despite his exit from the presidential race, Binkley expressed optimism about finding alternative ways to promote his policy positions and make a meaningful impact. He acknowledged the daunting nature of the political landscape and the need for genuine resonance with voters, conceding that his message failed to resonate effectively during his campaign.
Binkley’s decision to withdraw from the race underscores the challenges faced by lesser-known candidates in the highly competitive arena of presidential politics. As Trump continues to dominate the Republican primary field, the party grapples with questions of leadership and direction, with candidates like Binkley navigating the complex dynamics of support and endorsement within the GOP.