Rick Perry exits 2016 presidential race

Republican Rick Perry has dropped his 2016 bid for the White House, becoming the first candidate to exit the race.

The former Texas governor said at a the Eagle Forum in St. Louis on Friday afternoon that he is suspending his presidential campaign, according to ABC News.

“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 reportedly had problems raising money and was behind the pack in the crowed GOP field in his second presidenal run.