Republican presidential candidate former US vice-president Mike Pence arrives at the Republican Jewish Coalition's Annual Leadership Summit at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on October 28, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pence announced that he was suspending his campaign for president at the event. (PHOTO / AFP)

NEW YORK - Former US vice-president Mike Pence announced Saturday that he suspended his 2024 campaign for the White House.

"It's become clear to me: This is not my time," Pence said during a speech at the Republican Jewish Coalition's annual conference in Las Vegas. "After much prayer and deliberation, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president effective today."

Pence, 64, who was Indiana governor and a congressman before becoming vice-president, announced his bid for the White House in early June

Pence, 64, who was Indiana governor and a congressman before becoming vice-president, announced his bid for the White House in early June.

The former vice-president failed to attract enough primary voters and donors to sustain his campaign which has languished in the low single digits in polls. Former president Donald Trump is now the frontrunner in the Republican presidential race.

According to the latest campaign filing, Pence has raised $3.3 million during the third fundraising quarter, coupled with around $620,000 in debt.

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Pence's decision, over two months before Iowa caucuses that he had staked his campaign on, saves him from accumulating additional debt, as well as the embarrassment of potentially failing to qualify for the third Republican primary debate on Nov 8 in Miami, said local media.