Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore announced on Friday that he will be suspending his presidential campaign, according to the Washington Examiner.
"My campaign was intended to offer the gubernatorial experience, with the track record of a true conservative, experienced in national security, to unite the party," Gilmore said. "My goal was to focus on the importance of this election as a real turning point, and to emphasize the dangers of continuing on a road that will further undermine America's economy and weaken our national security."
"Nonetheless, I will continue to express my concerns about the dangers of electing someone who has pledged to continue Obama's disastrous policies and I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that our next president is a free enterprise Republican who will restore our nation to greatness and keep our citizens safe."
Gilmore announced his campaign in July, but failed to gain traction with voters in early Republican primary states. The final blow came in New Hampshire, where Gilmore received just 133 votes.
Gilmore, who served as governor from 1998 to 2002, hailed himself as "the only veteran in the race."
He never rose to national prominence in the polls but was celebrated for the tenacity he exhibited in outlasting many others in the Republican race, including Sen. Rand Paul (R., Ky.).
He himself argued following the Iowa caucuses that he started out in a field of seventeen candidates and wound up being one of the final nine candidates in the race.
Started out as 1 of 17 GOP Candidates, now with Rand Paul & Rick Santorum out, 1 or 9. #StillStanding
— Jim Gilmore (@gov_gilmore) February 3, 2016
After New Hampshire, both Carly Fiorina and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced that they would be suspending their campaign, leaving Gilmore in a field of just seven candidates.