Andrew Yang Drops Out of Democratic Presidential Race As New Hampshire Results Roll In

Entrepreneur Andrew Yang has dropped out of the Democratic race only moments before results were announced in Tuesday's New Hampshire primaries.

"While it is clear that there is great work left to be done, you know I am the math guy, and it's clear by the numbers that we are not going to win this race," Yang told a group of his supporters in New Hampshire. "I am not someone who wants to accept donations and support in a race that we will not win."

"And so tonight," Yang continued, "I am announcing I am suspending my campaign for president."

"This is not an easy decision or something I made lightly with the team," Yang added. "Endings are hard and I've always had the intention to stay in this race until the very end. But I have been persuaded that the message of my campaign will not be strengthened by staying in this race any longer."

Yang did not publicly endorse any of the remaining candidates.

"My goal when I first started running was to solve the problems that got Donald Trump elected," Yang said. "In order to do that, I will support whoever is the Democratic nominee."

The timing of Yang's announcement comes after a poor showing in Iowa's caucus, which ended with Yang receiving no delegates and only 1 percent of the vote, placing him in sixth place ahead of billionaire businessman Tom Steyer. After his poor showing in Iowa, Yang laid off dozens of campaign staffers, including his deputy national political director.

In response to the candidate's decision to suspend his campaign, Yang's traveling press secretary Erick Sanchez tweeted, "The past five months have been the greatest honor of my life. Starting tomorrow, I'm thrilled to be promoted from your employee to your friend. Thank you, @AndrewYang, for the challenge and the inspiration. Forever, I am #YangGang."

Before he publicly announced his decision to exit the race Yang tweeted, "I am so proud of this campaign. Thank you to everyone who got us here."

Yang's campaign featured a proposal for a Universal Basic Income which would pay eligible Americans approximately $1,000 per month. His grassroots supporters collectively referred to themselves as the #YangGang and they often took to social media to espouse Yang's platform.

Colorado Senator Michael Bennet also exited the Democratic race for president Tuesday night. Bennet had not met the thresholds set by the Democratic National Party for inclusion in the debates since July 2019.

Bennet's moderate platform opposed the more progressive idea of Medicare for All, opting instead for a public insurance purchasing option while keeping private insurance providers. In the Iowa caucuses, Bennet did not receive any delegates or any percentage of the vote.