Perry launched his campaign on July 4, and has struggled to gain traction among voters. Part of the statement announcing he will suspend his campaign has been released:
"When I gave my life to Christ, I said, 'your ways are greater than my ways. You will superior to mine'. Today I submit that His will remains a mystery, but some things have become clear.
"This is why today I am suspending my campaign for the presidency of the United States."
Perry added that he is suspending his campaign "knowing that our party is in good hands and as long as we listen to the grassroots, the cause of conservatism will be too."
With the former Texas governor out of the race, this leaves 16 candidates competing for the Republican nomination.
