Griffin’s departure underscores the influence of former President Donald Trump, who quickly endorsed Huckabee Sanders’ candidacy, continues to have in the Republican Party, even out of office and removed from his favorite social media platforms.
Just two weeks ago, Griffin told CNN in an interview that he planned to defeat Huckabee Sanders in “substance” and that he would be ready for the governor’s seat on his first day in office – “and no one else is”.
“I think there’s a lot to talk about besides personalities and I’m going to talk about it. I’m going to talk a lot about ideas and content. And, at the end of the day, that’s what makes the difference in the lives of Arkansans,” said Griffin then.
However, even out of office, Trump remains extremely influential in Republican politics. Her swift endorsement by her former aide – as well as Huckabee Sanders’ position as the daughter of a former governor – led Republican members to believe she was a favorite.
Huckabee Sanders is the first of several members of the Trump family and former advisers to run after his departure from Washington. And while polls show that Trump’s popularity took a heavy hit after the January 6 Capitol riots, he remains the dominant figure in Republican politics – with allies now occupying the top echelons of the party’s national and state infrastructure.
Griffin, a former congressman who worked for former President George W. Bush’s reelection campaign and at his White House, raised $ 1.3 million between March 2020 and the end of the year. Huckabee Sanders almost reached that total in a few days, his campaign said.
“While I believe the Arcaneans are ready for my message of conservative and courageous leadership, my conversations with friends and supporters have persuaded me that I can do more for Arkansas in a different role right now,” Griffin said in a statement. “I prayed about that decision with my family and listened.”
Huckabee Sanders has yet to beat current attorney general Leslie Rutledge and potentially other candidates in next year’s primary. In a statement on Monday, Rutledge wished Griffin luck, but offered no indication that she would be leaving the race for governor.