Florida Senator Marco Rubio has announced his withdrawal from the Republican race after losing his home state of Florida to party frontrunner Donald Trump.
Mr Rubio was thought to be a shoo-in for success in Florida, but was instead forced to take the stage to suspend his campaign as Mr Trump continues to dominate Republican votes.
“After tonight, it is clear that while we are on the right side, this year, we will not be on the winning side,” he said.
The 44-year-old finished his campaign with three primary victories in Minnesota, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.
Cruz statement on Rubio dropping out pic.twitter.com/8PoZjItSyL
— Rosie Gray (@RosieGray) March 16, 2016
Mr Trump is projected to finish with 45 per cent of the votes in Florida, with remaining Republican hopefuls Senator Ted Cruz and Ohio Governor John Kasich earning 16 per cent and six per cent of votes respectively. The billionaire frontrunner also won in Illinois and North Carolina; however, Governor Kasich upset the Trump campaign to take his home state, capturing all 66 Ohio delegates in his only victory thus far.
So it's Trump…
Cruz, who every GOP official in DC detests…
Or Kasich, who at best will have only won home-state in first 31 contests.
— Taniel (@Taniel) March 16, 2016
Hillary Clinton continues to dominate the Democratic race, earning victories in Florida, North Carolina and Ohio. – Josh Chahal
Screen grab of Marco Rubio during his concession speech from ABC TV’s live coverage.
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