Believe It Or Not, A Republican Actually Just Decided Not To Run For President

Believe It Or Not, A Republican Actually Just Decided Not To Run For President
DES MOINES, IA - JANUARY 24: Former Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton speaks to guests at the Iowa Freedom Summit on January 24, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. The summit is hosting a group of potential 2016 Republican presidential candidates to discuss core conservative principles ahead of the January 2016 Iowa Caucuses. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
DES MOINES, IA - JANUARY 24: Former Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton speaks to guests at the Iowa Freedom Summit on January 24, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. The summit is hosting a group of potential 2016 Republican presidential candidates to discuss core conservative principles ahead of the January 2016 Iowa Caucuses. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

The field for the GOP presidential nomination is quickly getting crowded, but one Republican decided that he would take a pass on 2016.

John Bolton, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under former President George W. Bush, announced on Thursday that he would not seek the presidency.

"I have decided not to seek the Republican nomination for president," Bolton said in a video to supporters obtained by the Associated Press that will be released later on Thursday. "I believe I can make the strongest contribution to our future by continuing as a clear and consistent advocate for a strong, Reaganite foreign policy that values peace through strength."

Bolton, who was not considered a serious contender for the nomination, had recently traveled to the early primary states of New Hampshire and Iowa.

The GOP field is filling up quickly. Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas), Rand Paul (Ky.) and Marco Rubio (Fla.) have all already announced that they are running for president. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, neurosurgeon Ben Carson and former Hewlett-Packard executive Carly Fiorina have also announced that they are running.

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum are widely expected to announce their candidacy. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and former New York Gov. George Pataki are also considering launching campaigns.

Before You Go

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) -- Announced March 23, 2015

Declared 2016 Presidential Candidates

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