After taking a step back from the 2024 GOP presidential race, Former Republican presidential candidate Will Hurd is now urging some of the remaining GOP contenders to do the same. 

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Hurd stressed the importance of putting aside personal ambitions and egos for the sake of the country.

“It’s hard to put aside your own personal ambitions and ego, but this is about the country, this is about making sure that we have another 247 years of a country, of a way of life that has become the envy of the world, and that’s what we need to focus on,” he said.

Hurd seems to be suggesting that some candidates should leave the primary pool for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who he endorses with the belief that she is the candidate who can beat both Donald Trump and Joe Biden and lead the nation effectively.

“Nikki Haley’s the only person who can beat Donald Trump and Joe Biden, and that’s where I hope some of these candidates can consolidate around. And tonight she showed her grasp of the issues,” Hurd emphasized after the third GOP presidential primary debate on Wednesday. “We’re living in a dangerous world. It’s only going to get more dangerous, and Nikki Haley’s ready to lead on day one.”

Hurd, a three-term congressman from Texas, ended his bid for the 2024 Republican nomination last month.

In a statement posted to X, he said, “Unfortunately, it has become clear to me and my team that the time has come to suspend our campaign.” 

“While I appreciate all the time and energy our supporters have given, it is important to recognize the realities of the political landscape and the need to consolidate our party around one person to defeat both Donald Trump and President Biden. I urge donors, voters, and other candidates to unite around an alternative candidate to Trump,” he added.

Hurd began his long-shot White House run with his late July announcement, making him the last major candidate to join the already crowded Republican primary field. However, despite his moderate stance and pledges to lead the party in a different direction, he struggled to gain traction. His exit came after he failed to qualify for both the first GOP debate in August and the second debate in September.

Hurd’s decision to step aside follows the earlier move of another Republican candidate, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who suspended his campaign after failing to make it onto the first debate stage. Since Hurd, three other candidates – Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, conservative talk show host Larry Elder and former Vice President Mike Pence have also left the pool.