Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman will reportedly drop out of the race for president on Monday, according to campaign aides. Mr. Huntsman will reportedly endorse former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for president.
Mr. Huntsman, who has trailed in polls since entering the race in early 2011, has fared poorly in both Iowa and New Hampshire. The Utah Republican had focused his campaign for president on securing a victory in New Hampshire. Mr. Huntsman eventually placed third, behind Mr. Romney and Texas Republican Congressman Ron Paul.
The former Utah governor will make the announcement Monday, just one week before the South Carolina primary is slated to take place.
The decision from Mr. Huntsman came on the same day that he received the endorsement from The State, the newspaper in the capital of Columbia. He had campaigned in South Carolina over the weekend, not giving any indication that the end was near.
Mr. Huntsman’s decision to leave the contest and support Mr. Romney should help the former Massachusetts governor in South Carolina, as he will be the lone candidate making a direct pitch to the establishment wing of the Republican Party.
