Marco Rubio Presidential Campaign Ends After Crushing Super Tuesday Florida Primary Loss

By Michael Oleaga First Posted: Mar 16, 2016 04:30 AM EDT

Following a crushing loss in his own state, Republican Florida Sen. Marco Rubio suspended his presidential campaign on Tuesday night.

Donald Trump Pummels Rubio in Voting Results

According to the Florida Division of Election, Trump received 46.73 percent (1,075,881 votes), all while Rubio placed a distant second with 27.04 percent (636,128 votes). In third place was Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, receiving 17.13 percent (403,087 votes), ahead of Ohio Gov. John Kasich's 6.77 percent (159,241 votes).

Although polling data prior to the March 15 primary had shown Trump leading against Rubio, the senator was hoping to win in the Sunshine State, given its "winner take all," which gives all of its 99 delegates to the Republican candidate with the highest votes.

But with Trump's victory, Rubio announced he campaign's suspension.

Rubio's Concession & Closing Remarks

On Tuesday night, Rubio was the first Republican presidential candidate to deliver remarks, which included his concession. He congratulated Trump on his victory, which attracted negative reaction from Rubio's supporters, but the Florida senator reminded everyone that it's the voters' decision and it warrants respect.

"And so while it is not God's plan that I be president in 2016 or maybe ever, and while today my campaign is suspended, the fact that I have even come this far is evidence of how special America truly is, and all the reason more why we must do all we can to ensure that this nation remains a special place," said Rubio in his remarks.

During his speech, Rubio thanked his supporters, not just in Florida, but also Minnesota, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., where he won its elections.

Rubio said America is in the middle of a "real political storm, a real tsunami," but it's one that started in 2007 and 2008 with the economic downturn. He blamed both elements of the conservative movement and the political establishment for the troubles and divisions affecting the country. He explained the political establishment has looked down at conservatives as simple-minded people, used conservatives' votes for granted and fell into cronyism.

Rubio added that he had hoped his presidential campaign would have bridged the gap between conservatives and the establishment and called on a new "vibrant" conservative movement built on principles and ideas instead of fear, anger and preying on people's frustrations. A new political establishment is also needed, according to Rubio, that does not look down at people outside of Washington, D.C., includes youth in the process and problem solving.

"This is the right way forward for our party. This is the right way forward for our country. But after tonight it is clear that while we are on the right side, this year we will not be on the winning side. ... And so yet, while this may not have been the year for a hopeful and optimistic message about our future, I still remain hopeful and optimistic about America," said Rubio.