The Republican presidential field is starting to cull itself. We knew they would start dropping off after the first debate, and this candidate is logical, if not critical. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez barely made a blip on the radar, as no one outside of Florida knew who he was. In this polarized climate of political leanings, a moderate/progressive-style Republican is as useful in 2024 as a screen door on a submarine.

On Tuesday, Francis Suarez announced on his X account that he is suspending his presidential campaign. Praise the Lord, and pass the pork chops.

Running for President of the United States has been one of the greatest honors of my life. This country has given so much to my family and me. The prospect of giving back at the highest levels of public service is a motivator if not a calling. Throughout this process, I have met…

— Mayor Francis Suarez (@FrancisSuarez) August 29, 2023

Running for President of the United States has been one of the greatest honors of my life. This country has given so much to my family and me. The prospect of giving back at the highest levels of public service is a motivator if not a calling. Throughout this process, I have met so many freedom-loving Americans who care deeply about our nation, her people, and its future. It was a privilege to come so close to appearing on stage with the other candidates at last week’s first debate. 

But Suarez did not make the debate. He joined the ranks of Republican radio host and pundit Larry Elder, former Texas Congressman Will Hurd, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, and Texas Pastor Ryan Binkley, who did not have enough poll rating or donor juice to make the cut. I prognosticated that: 

Mayor Suarez is playing the Marco Rubio Hispanic card to create diversity in the lineup and carve out his niche for either a future cabinet post or a regional run. Look for his next run to be for governor of Florida.  

Suarez admitted as much in his closing statement.

I had looked forward to sharing the story of Miami, America’s most successful city, especially at a time when so many cities are plagued with poverty, unemployment, high taxes, violent crime, and homelessness. I know what we have achieved during my tenure leading the City of Miami can be replicated in every community in our great country. The next President must play a major role in getting America's cities back on track to safety, prosperity and a better quality of life for all.  

Now look for Suarez to start speaking out on the awful Jacksonville shooting and lending his voice toward making Florida cities more habitable.

Don't doubt me.

While I have decided to suspend my campaign for President, my commitment to making this a better nation for every American remains.   I will continue to amplify the voices of the Hispanic community - the fastest-growing voting group in our country. The Left has taken Hispanics for granted for far too long, and it is no surprise that so many are finding a home in America’s conservative movement. 

Accordingly, the Republican National Committee is working to improve this image. Part of Suarez's new plum role will no doubt embody this work for the RNC. 

Our party must continue doing more to include and attract this vibrant community that believes in our country’s foundational values: faith, family, hard work and freedom. Younger voters, Independents, urban voters and suburban women- all of whom I've carried in previous elections - among others, should find a comfortable home in the GOP and its policies. The current Administration is failing our country. Inflation remains high, elevated interest rates are punishing young Americans, the southern border is wide open, crime is rising, and our enemies and adversaries are growing bolder and stronger. We deserve better.

Suarez is not wrong, and has been vocal about President Joe Biden's policies and their adverse effect on all Americans. As someone who has successfully led a city, Suarez will be a pivotal voice in 2024 while building his credentials and presence for a national run in the future.

I look forward to keeping in touch with the other Republican presidential candidates and doing what I can to make sure our party puts forward a strong nominee who can inspire and unify the country, renew Americans’ trust in our institutions and in each other, and win.

The first part and the last part of this sentence promise to be the most challenging, particularly when so many other candidates need to lay down their chits sooner rather than later.

Start the countdown clock...