Politics / Jeb Bush 2016 No Bush 45: Jeb Drops Out Distant finish in South Carolina sounds death knell on campaign that never took hold By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Feb 20, 2016 7:56 PM CST Copied Supporters of Jeb Bush campaign outside of Eastlan Baptist Church, a polling location in Greenville, South Carolina, on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Sanz) Less than two hours after the polls closed in South Carolina sending Donald Trump to victory, a teary-eyed Jeb Bush ended his bid for the Republican nomination for president, reports the AP. The move ended a campaign that drew a staggering level of financial support from donors but failed to win over voters angry with Washington and leery of sending another member of the Bush family to the White House. Following disappointing performances in both Iowa and New Hampshire, Bush pinned his hopes on South Carolina, a state where the Bush name has maintained some clout. But Bush was unable to break into the top three in South Carolina. He would likely have faced pressure from GOP leaders and donors to drop out had he stayed in the race. (More Jeb Bush 2016 stories.) Get breaking news in your inbox. What you need to know, as soon as we know it. Sign up Report an error