Jim Webb announced at a press conference Tuesday that he is dropping out of the 2016 Democratic race just one week after the first primary debate took place in Las Vegas.
Webb did not announce any suspension of his political campaign Tuesday, indicating that he is leaving the door open for a third-party run.
"Americans are disgusted by all this talk of Republicans and Democrats calling each other the enemy instead of reaching out across the table and actually finding ways to work together," Webb said Tuesday.
"This country needs a new dynamic that respects and honors our history, our traditions. ... I am stepping aside from the Democratic primary process, but I will never abandon my loyalties to the people who do the hard daily work of keeping this country great at home and secure abroad, and we’ll just have to see what happens next."
Webb’s campaign sent an email to reporters Monday evening alerting that the former U.S. senator from Virginia was considering running as a third-party candidate. It also notified journalists that Webb would hold a press conference Tuesday "to discuss his candidacy, the campaign and his views of the political parties in the current election cycle."
Webb’s positions on a number of issues, including foreign policy, have largely been viewed as out of step with the Democratic Party.
According to Fox News, Webb is not expected to immediately announce an independent run and will take time after his announcement Tuesday to consult with Republicans and Democrats on the possibility.
A CNN/ORC poll released Monday indicated that Webb had 1 percent of support among likely Democratic primary voters.