Former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford suspended his campaign for the Republican primary in the state's 1st Congressional District just one month after entering the race.

Sanford, who filed his paperwork on March 30, the last day of candidate filing, confirmed his decision to The Post and Courier on April 29. He plans to make the exit official on April 30 and launch a nonprofit focused on the nation's growing debt and deficit spending.

"What has hit me over the last month is how the debt and deficit spending issue that I care dearly about will be a change that comes to Washington, rather than from Washington," Sanford said. He emphasized that the move stemmed from personal reflections, including turning 66 next month and becoming a grandfather, rather than doubts about electability. "It's not driven by 'I don't think I could win.' I think I could win. But the question was whether or not I really wanted to win," he added.

Sanford acknowledged potential challenges from former President Donald Trump, whom he criticized in the past. "He has a very long memory toward people who haven’t kissed the ring. He doesn’t drive this decision, but I’ve always been aware of that contingent liability, and it’s real," Sanford noted. Trump endorsed Sanford's 2018 primary challenger, Katie Arrington, leading to his defeat after serving stints in Congress from 1995 to 2001 and 2013 to 2019.

The coastal district, rated Solid Republican with a partisan lean of R+6, is open after incumbent Rep. Nancy Mace announced her bid for governor. Roughly 10 Republicans remain in the June 9 primary field, including state Rep. Mark Smith, Dorchester County Councilman Jay Byars, and others such as Dan Brown, Logan Cunningham, Tyler Dykes, Jack Ellison, Jenny Honeycutt, Kendal Ludden, Sam McCown, Alex Pelbath, and Cindy Riley.

Sanford entered with a $1.3 million war chest from prior federal campaigns. Federal rules allow such committees to remain open post-campaign to settle debts or donate to nonprofits. He pledged support for the eventual GOP nominee but plans no personal endorsement.

Sanford's political career included two terms as governor from 2003 to 2011, marked by a 2009 scandal when he admitted to an affair after claiming to hike the Appalachian Trail. He paid $74,000 to settle ethics charges related to travel and campaign spending. His 2020 presidential bid also focused on fiscal issues before suspension.

The withdrawal heightens competition in the crowded primary for the Charleston-to-Beaufort seat, with no clear frontrunner yet amid a field heavy on political newcomers.