This report is from our sister station KXAN in Austin, Texas.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former Texas Governor Rick Perry has suspended his run for the White House, becoming the first major Republican candidate to leave the field.
The Republican made the announcement in St. Louis Friday afternoon.
In a copy of his remarks as prepared for delivery, Perry credited his decision to the depth of the field.
“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,” Perry said. “I share this news with no regrets. It has been a privilege and an honor to travel this country, to speak with the American people about their hopes and dreams, to see a sense of optimism prevalent despite a season of cynical politics.”
In the latest round of polls, Perry is only averaging 1.8% support among potential voters.
About a month ago, reports surfaced recently that Perry’s campaign staff were no longer being paid as the Texas Republican continued to lag behind 16 other candidates in the polls. At the end of August, staffers began getting pay checks again.
