State Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge, says she is no longer seeking the Republican nomination for governor.
“Despite traveling extensively across the Commonwealth, holding a multitude of fundraisers, making thousands of phone calls, sending direct mail, and turning over every rock possible to raise the money, it is clear that we will not have the resources we need to be successful in this campaign. It is for this reason I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for the Republican nomination for Governor of Kentucky,” Maddox wrote to her supporters on Tuesday evening.
Maddox’s withdraw from the GOP gubernatorial primary comes days before the end of the 4th quarter finance deadline, and as rumors have been picking up that former Gov. Matt Bevin, R-Kentucky, is considering her as a potential running mate.
“Although this isn’t the outcome we may have hoped for in the immediate sense, I give you my word to keep fighting for the principles that led me to file my letter of intent in the first place,” Maddox said on Facebook. “I will not back down, and I will not waver from redefining the appropriate role of government to reflect the vision our Founders intended.”
With her withdraw from the race, there is now significant space for a more right-wing candidate to swing the election.
Ryan Quarles, another GOP gubernatorial contender, wished her the best in a statement.
“Representative Maddox is a grassroots leader and someone whose pro-liberty values resonate with many Kentuckians,” said Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. “I’m grateful for the voice she brought to this race and I wish her the best as the campaign continues.”
There are a dozen Republicans with campaigns that are seeking the GOP nomination in May.
