WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina announced Wednesday she is suspending her campaign for the Republican presidential nomination after a disappointing showing in the New Hampshire primary.
After coming in seventh in New Hampshire, Fiorina revealed her decision to drop out of the race in a post on her Facebook page.
'While I suspend my candidacy today, I will continue to travel this country and fight for those Americans who refuse to settle for the way things are and a status quo that no longer works for them,' Fiorina said.
'Our Republican Party must fight alongside these Americans as well,' she added. 'Republicans must stand for conservative principles that lift people up and recognize all Americans have the right to fulfill their God-given potential.'
Fiorina also specifically addressed young girls and women across the country, urging them not to let anyone tell them they have to vote a certain way or for a certain candidate because they are a woman.
The comment was likely a reference to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, who would become the first female presidential nominee for a major party if she manages to defeat Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
'As I have said to the many wonderful Americans I have met throughout this campaign, a leader is a servant whose highest calling is to unlock potential in others,' Fiorina said.
She added, 'I will continue to serve in order to restore citizen government to this great nation so that together we may fulfill our potential.'
Benefiting from some strong debate performances, Fiorina climbed as high as second in the race for the Republican nomination behind real estate tycoon Donald Trump.
However, she was unable to sustain the momentum and subsequently saw such a sharp pullback in her poll numbers that she failed to qualify for last Saturday's GOP debate.
Fiorina is expected to be followed out of the race by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who also had a poor performance in New Hampshire.
(Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore)
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