Republican candidate Rick Perry has suspended his bid for the 2016 Republican nomination, according to a statement released by his campaign.
Perry announced that he would withdraw from the race while speaking at the Eagle Forum in St. Louis, Missouri.
“We have a tremendous field – the best in a generation – so I step aside knowing our party is in good hands, and as long as we listen to the grassroots, the cause of conservatism will be too. That is why today I am suspending my campaign for the presidency of the United States.”
Perry’s campaign has been plagued by financial issues from the start. Earlier this week, Perry’s campaign shut down his Columbia, South Carolina, headquarters. Last month, Perry’s campaign announced salary cuts to staffers across the country.
“We have a tremendous field,” Rick Perry says, suspending his presidential campaign. pic.twitter.com/AvzjCaZKCF
— NPR Politics (@nprpolitics) September 11, 2015
The former Texas governor never really gained much traction in the polls, either. Most recently, he polled at just one percent in the state of Iowa, according to ABC News.
After his speech, Perry took to Twitter to share news of his withdrawal. He also tweeted some of the highlights of his speech.
“Leadership is not what you say, but what you do. We need a nominee with a record of success.” – @GovernorPerry at #EagleCouncil44
— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) September 11, 2015
“The conservative movement has always been about principles, not personalities.” – @GovernorPerry at #EagleCouncil44
— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) September 11, 2015
“Today I step aside knowing as long as we fight for the cause of conservatism, our nation is in good hands.” – @GovernorPerry
— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) September 11, 2015
“It’s been a privilege & honor to travel the country & see a sense of optimism prevalent in Americans.” – @GovernorPerry at #EagleCouncil44
— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) September 11, 2015
“I share this news with no regrets…Life is good. And I am a blessed man.” – @GovernorPerry at #EagleCouncil44
— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) September 11, 2015
Read my full remarks to the #EagleCouncil44 – https://t.co/BLszAXDzy7 pic.twitter.com/gccbJ0nvpB
— Rick Perry (@GovernorPerry) September 11, 2015
In recent weeks, Rick Perry has been particularly vocal in his criticisms of Republican front runner Donald Trump. In his speech announcing the suspension of his campaign, Perry took one thinly veiled parting shot at the real estate mogul.
“Demeaning people of Hispanic heritage is not just ignorant, it betrays the example of Christ.”
His 2016 run for president marked the second time that Rick Perry attempted to ascend to the highest political office in the United States. In 2012, Perry was briefly thought of as the front runner for the Republican nomination before he ultimately dropped out of that race, as well.
Looking for more information about Rick Perry, the former governor of Texas? Check out the video below.
[Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]