LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Asa Hutchinson announced on Saturday that his campaign manager for the Republican presidential nomination bid is leaving. However, the former Arkansas governor clarified that he will not be withdrawing from the competitive race.
Hutchinson confirmed the departure of Rob Burgess on October 31 and revealed plans for other campaign changes. Since joining the 2024 race in April as an anti-Donald Trump candidate, Hutchinson has struggled to gain traction. His failure to qualify for the party’s second debate and slim chances of making the third debate on November 8, with its more stringent requirements, are indicative of his challenges.
“It’s clear that I am working tirelessly to win votes and improve my voting percentages, especially in the early states,” Hutchinson told The Associated Press. “It’s not uncommon for a campaign to make adjustments midway, and that’s exactly what you’ll see with Rob’s departure and the readjustments we’ll make within the campaign staff.”
CNN was the first to report Burgess’ departure. Although Burgess did not confirm the report, he instructed all inquiries to be directed to Hutchinson. The former governor stated that he will announce a new campaign manager at a later date.
Among the Republican candidates, Hutchinson has been one of the few willing to directly challenge Trump. Following Trump’s indictment by a grand jury in New York in March, Hutchinson called for the former president to withdraw from the race. Prior to entering the race, Hutchinson referred to Trump’s latest White House run as the “worst scenario” for the GOP.
Burgess’ departure follows the suspensions of other candidates’ campaigns, including former Texas Rep. Will Hurd, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, businessman Perry Johnson, and conservative talk radio host Larry Elder. Former Vice President Mike Pence also dropped out on Saturday.
Hutchinson recognizes the uphill battle he faces in securing the nomination but remains optimistic about his chances.
“The direction of our primary will have to change as voters reassess who will lead our party and be the nominee,” Hutchinson said. “Currently, Trump holds the top position, but I have always believed that will change, and I still hold that belief.”
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Associated Press writer Michelle Price in Las Vegas contributed to this report.
