After a poor showing in Tuesday’s Iowa caucuses, Texas Gov. Rick Perry announced that he would return home to “determine whether this is a path forward in this race.”
He added that he would use the time to concentrate on “prayer and reflection.”
It was the first time the Texas governor has had to deliver a concession speech in his 27-year long career in politics. He entered the presidential race in August, and after enjoying front-runner status for several weeks, Perry saw his numbers drop after a series of sub-par debate performances.
Perry had hoped that a good showing in Iowa could give his campaign a new lease on life. He spent more than $4 million on television ads in the state, only to finish in fifth place with just over 12,400 votes.
“I just want to say thank everyone who’s come and volunteered and worked and made this the most incredible experience for myself and the woman I’ve been blessed to have by my side all these many years,” Perry said.