Washington: Former US Vice President Mike Pence announced he is not running for presidency saying ‘this is not my time’, news agency AFP reported.
Pence spoke his mind at the annual meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas where he received a warm welcome.
His announcement comes as his former boss Donald Trump is making complete dominance over the Republican Party.
Pence reportedly said: “It's become clear to me: this is not my time,’ adding "After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president.”
The unexpected turn of events come as Pence appeared to be well on the route to take on Trump.
He is known for his staunch support for Trump during the latter’s earlier stint in the White House when various issues embroiled him.
They fell out when Trump reportedly ‘pressured him’ help ‘overturn’ Biden’s ‘legitimate win’, which he resisted.
When Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, they chanted ‘ hang Mike Pence’.
As Trump returned with gusto, once again attracting cheering crowds, Pence’s hopes for White House appeared to be doomed lacking support in polls.
With dropping out Pence averted the disgrace of not being invited for primary candidates' debate in Miami on November 8.
Pence’s bowing out will open the way for Trump’s main rival Ron DenSatis, the right-wing governor of Florida. However, the report said he has little chance of overtaking Trump.