Matt Salmon lacks traction, withdraws from AZ Governor’s race

Former Congressman and current gubernatorial candidate has thrown in the towel on his bid for governor. The oddly timed move comes a week before early ballots, with his name on them as a candidate, are mailed out.

“I am so proud of everything that we have been able to accomplish together over the past year. I’ve been blessed with the best staff members, volunteers, and activists in Arizona, and I will forever be grateful for the tireless work and heart-felt passion that they gave to this campaign. Our ideas changed this race for the better – there is no doubt about that.

Unfortunately, numbers are numbers, and it has become clear to me that the path to a first-place victory is no longer a realistic possibility. Republican primary voters deserve more than having their votes split on August 2nd, and so I am leaving this race for the same reason that I entered it: Because it is what’s best for the people of Arizona.”

His complete statement, addressed “To my supporters, the best in Arizona,” can be read here.

Best guess is Salmon will endorse Karrin Kunasek Taylor Robson, who gave him a warm send-off. Kari Lake, lacking the grace to say goodbye, has been mum.