GOP operatives told CNN early Wednesday morning that they’ll push Ben Carson to drop out of the Republican presidential race, and instead run for a U.S. Senate seat from Florida.
It’s unclear how receptive the retired neurosurgeon will be to their pleas. Carson did not appear to be going anywhere as Tuesday night drew to a close.
Sen. Marco Rubio, who’s seat is up, has said he will not seek re-election.
Carson continues to show no signs of getting out of the race.
“Millions of Americans plead with me to continue,” he said in a statement Tuesday night. “They want to have a choice and a representative voice to ensure people of faith are not marginalized and that integrity is restored to leadership, with a focus on common sense solutions to the myriad problems we face as a nation. They know I am a citizen candidate, not a politician, who won’t do what is expedient, but what is right.”
“As long we continue to receive their support, and the Lord keeps opening doors, I will remain in this presidential race,” he added.
Earlier Tuesday, Carson looked at CNN’s most recent poll showing him at 10% and essentially said God answers prayers, CNN has learned.
For him, it was a sign that he should stay in the race — even if he gets zero delegates, which seems likely. His top aides, including Armstrong Williams and Bob Dees, say he has no path to the nomination.