Griffin’s resignation underscores the hold that former President Donald Trump, who quickly endorsed Huckabee Sanders’ bid, is still on the Republican Party, even out of office and removed from his favorite social media platforms.
Just two weeks ago, Griffin said in an interview with CNN that he intended to defeat Huckabee Sanders over ‘substance’ and that he would be ready for governor on his first day in office – ‘and no one else is. not.’
“I think there’s a lot to talk about other than 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 Arkansans’ lives,” Griffin said. then said.
Even outside his office, however, Trump remains very influential in Republican politics. His swift endorsement of his former assistant – as well as Huckabee Sanders’ position as the daughter of a former governor – led Republican agents to believe she was the biggest favorite.
Huckabee Sanders is the first of several Trump family members and former assistants to stand for re-election after leaving Washington. And while polls show that Trump’s popularity suffered a severe blow after the January 6 riots at the Capitol, he remains the dominant figure in GOP politics – with allies now occupying the top ranks of the party’s national and state infrastructure.
Griffin, a former congressman who worked for former president George W. Bush’s re-election campaign and in his White House, raised $ 1.3 million between March 2020 and the end of the year. Huckabee Sanders, within a few days, almost matched the total, reads her campaign.
“While I believe Arkansans are ready for my message of daring, conservative leadership, my conversations with friends and supporters have convinced me that I can do more for Arkansas in a different capacity at the moment,” Griffin said in a statement. “I prayed with my family about this decision and I listened.”
Huckabee Sanders still has to beat current Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and possibly other candidates in next year’s election. In a statement Monday, Rutledge wished Griffin well, but gave no indication that she would leave the government’s race.