Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence ended his campaign to be the Republican nominee for U.S. president in 2024 on Saturday. He made the announcement at the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas.

Pence is the first major Republican candidate to suspend his campaign in a race led by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

"Traveling over the country over the past six months, I came here to say it's become clear to me: This is not my time. So after much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president effective today," Pence told the audience.

Pence's decision to withdraw from the Republican race came shortly before the third presidential debate on November 8.

He did not endorse any other Republican candidates. "I urge all my fellow Republicans here, give our country a Republican standard bearer that will, as Lincoln said, appeal to the better angels of our nature," Pence said, adding it should also be someone who leads the country with "civility."

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Trump did not mention Pence in their speeches, which came after Pence's announcement.

More candidates might soon follow Pence in dropping out, consolidating the wide field of contenders. With more than a half dozen candidates, donors seeking alternatives to Trump have been reticent to open their pocketbooks.

Trump's lead is so large it may not matter, however, and contenders also might decide to stay in for longer. No clear-cut alternative has emerged since the DeSantis campaign has languished after a disappointing start.

The former vice president had languished in recent polls and had struggled to gain the support of Republican voters.

Pence's third quarter fundraising totals on October 15 showed his campaign was $620,000 in debt, with only $1.2 million cash on hand.

The 64-year-old lost the support of many Republican voters when he publicly broke with Trump over the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021, and when he presided over the certification of Joe Biden's 2020 election results in Congress.

(With input from agencies)