Fox News host Trey Gowdy was taken aback on Sunday evening when Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) precipitously declared his withdrawal from the race for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.

On Wednesday, Scott was among the five Republican candidates who took part in the Republican primary debate. As with the two preceding debates, the former president was not in attendance.

The presenter of Sunday Night in America inquired about Scott’s recent illness episode during his appearance.

Gowdy, a former Republican congressman from Scott’s home state of South Carolina, enquired, “How are you feeling and when are you going to get back on the campaign trail?”

“I’ve been drinking a lot of water,” the senator replied. “I’ll be down for another couple days. But I’m looking forward to getting back on the campaign trail.”

But Scott quickly made it clear that he would not be “getting back on the campaign trail” in his capacity as a contender.

“But when I go back to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate,” Scott said. “I am suspending my campaign. I think the voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet have been really clear that they’re telling me, ‘Not now, Tim.’ I don’t think they’re saying, Trey, ‘No,’ but I do think they’re saying, ‘Not now.’ So, I’m gonna respect the voters and I’m gonna hold on and keep working really hard, and look forward to the other opportunity.”

Gowdy seems surprised by the statement.

“You are– you are suspending your presidential campaign?” the host said. “You have plenty of money. You have the highest approval of any candidate that is running and you’re– you’re a couple of states from coming to a state where you are beloved, and you are suspending your presidential campaign?”

In response, Scott cited Romans 8:28.

Gowdy responded, “I’m trying to digest this information and I’m trying to do it on live television, so please excuse me.”

Trump remains the runaway frontrunner to win the Republican nomination for president.