A Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential election has suggested that he should withdraw from the upcoming presidential race because of an ongoing investigation into former President Donald Trump.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson posted on social media Wednesday prompt Republicans “make it clear” that they are under no obligation to support candidates convicted of “serious felonies” or “espionage.” Hutchinson clarified his own remarks by saying that Trump “should step back and put national interests ahead of his candidacy” as “the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation.”

of @GOP It should be clear that there is no pledge to support a candidate if he or she is convicted of espionage or a serious felony.

Donald Trump is the target of an ongoing criminal investigation and should step back and put national interests ahead of his own candidacy.

— Governor Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) June 8, 2023

Hutchinson formally announced his intentions to run for president in April, positioning himself as a sympathetic alternative to Trump’s brash, loud style. inform Earlier this month, Iowans said being called “normal” by Iowans voters was a compliment.

“I have been traveling this country for six months and I have heard people talk about leadership in our country. I’m sure they’re looking for a leader that appeals to the part,” Hutchinson said. said in April, according to Politico.

“I believe I can be that kind of leader for the American people,” Hutchinson said.

Hutchinson’s approval rating now sits at 1%, compared to Trump’s 52%, and he was ridiculed by the former president for calling the former governor “Ada” during a campaign campaign, ABC News reported. report .

“I call him Ada Hutchinson,” Trump told FOX host Sean Hannity at City Hall on June 1. report. “I don’t call him Asa. I call him Ada Hutchinson. No one knows. Never, never good.”

Hutchinson said his approval ratings may not be high right now, but he said his support for Trump is growing and expressed his belief that his ratings will improve as the campaign progresses. “I don’t think he’ll be a candidate,” Hutchinson said, according to ABC News. (Related article: Asa Hutchinson says she’s considering running for president, party wants Trump out)

“I am a strong Republican, but now is not the right time for Donald Trump and his future leadership,” Hutchinson added. “We need someone who can actually win in November, show what is good about this country, and bring in independents and suburban voters to help bring us together.”