U.S. Republican candidate Tommy Thompson has ended his White House bid after Saturday's 6th-place finish in the Iowa straw poll, his campaign said Sunday night.
In the months leading up to the straw poll, Thompson repeatedly said he'd drop out if he didn't finish first or second.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney won the poll and Thompson only finished 6th.
Saying he has "no regrets," the former Wisconsin Governor thanked his supporters in a message released by his campaign.
"I want to thank the people of Iowa who were welcoming and supportive as well as my volunteers and contributors from around the country," Thompson was quoted as saying.
"I am leaving the campaign trail today, but I will not leave the challenges of improving health care and welfare in America," he added.
Thompson, 65, was Wisconsin's longest-serving governor.
He won an unprecedented four terms and then served as the Secretary of Health and Human Services during U.S. President George W. Bush's first term.
Thompson will return to the private sector as well as his nonprofit work after a "brief time off," according to his campaign.
Source: Xinhua
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