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Former Arizona Rep. Matthew Salmon announced Tuesday he is dropping out of a crowded GOP primary race for governor, calling a win in the Grand Canyon State “no longer a mathematical possibility.”
Salmon, who co-founded the conservative House Freedom Caucus, was among five Republicans vying for the position.
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He said his decision was “incredibly difficult” but that he felt “it is the right thing to do.”
“This campaign has never been about me,” Salmon said in a written statement. “It is about you — and Republicans deserve more than having their votes split in the primary.”
The rest of the Republican candidates, Kari Lake, Karrin Robson, Paola Tulliani, and Scott Neely, will square off in a debate Wednesday. Arizona’s primary elections are slated for Aug. 2.
Salmon served as a U.S. representative from Arizona from 1995 to 2001 and again from 2013 to 2017. He also served as chairman of the Arizona Republican Party from 2004 to 2007.
He retired from office after representing the state’s 5th Congressional District but threw his hat into the ring to become governor after claiming the “country is at a crossroads and that it’s going to take strong conservative governors to turn things around.”
Salmon praised Supreme Court justices last week following the Roe v. Wade reversal, calling it “a historic moment for the millions of Americans who believe in the sanctity of life.”
“These courageous justices deserve credit for doing what is right amid unfair threats and political pressure — and I am forever grateful to the pro-life movement for all of the work they’ve done to make this beautiful day possible,” he said.
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Salmon had racked up several high-profile endorsements from Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Mike Lee (R-UT) and from Reps. Andy Briggs (R-AZ) and Jim Jordan (R-OH) but failed to pull in an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. That designation has gone to Lake, who has centered her campaign largely on the unfounded claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.
