Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) has announced the formation of a White House Exploratory Committee, signaling his intention to run for president in the 2024 election. The only Black Republican senator, Scott shared his plans in a video released on Wednesday and discussed his aspirations during an appearance on Fox News.
In an email sent to supporters before the announcement, Scott wrote, “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking the past few months. I’ve been thinking about my faith. I’ve been thinking about the future of our country. And I’ve been thinking about the Left’s plan to ruin America.” He has recently been visiting early primary states as part of his Faith in America Tour, aimed at renewing Americans’ commitment to founding principles and faith in the country’s people.
On Thursday, Scott is scheduled to visit New Hampshire, the first primary state, where he will engage with locals, pastors, and Republican leaders. His visit fuels the speculation that he is aiming for the White House. If he joins the race, he will face competition from former President Donald Trump, South Carolina’s former Governor Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
The Opportunity Matters Fund Action PAC has already supported Scott’s potential bid, hiring Matt Moore, former SC Republican Party chairman, and Mark Knoop, Governor Henry McMaster’s 2022 campaign manager. Both Moore and Knoop are tasked with sharing Senator Scott’s “opportunity agenda and inspirational vision throughout the state.”
Sen. Tim Scott of is taking the next official step toward a bid for president in 2024. https://t.co/t38x0lCXir
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) April 12, 2023
If elected, Tim Scott would make history as the nation’s first Black Republican president. His approach thus far has differentiated itself from his competitors by promoting a hopeful, optimistic message for the future. During a February visit to Iowa, which hosts the first GOP presidential caucuses, Scott spoke of a “new American sunrise” rooted in collaboration, stating, “I see a future where common sense has rebuilt common ground, where we’ve created real unity, not by compromising away our conservatism, but by winning converts to our conservatism.”
In the announcement video, Scott also aimed at the Democratic party, accusing them of fostering a “culture of grievance” and using race to divide the country. He declared, “When I fought back against their liberal agenda, they called me a prop. A token. Because I disrupt their narrative. I threaten their control.”
While Scott’s exploratory committee allows him to raise funds directly for a possible bid, he has already proven to be a significant financial draw. Opportunity Matters Fund, a pro-Scott super PAC, spent over $20 million to support Republicans in 2022 and reported having $13 million cash on hand at the start of 2023. In addition, Tech billionaire Larry Ellison has contributed at least $30 million to the organization since 2021.
