(CNN)Mike Huckabee is dropping his presidential campaign after a weak showing in the Iowa caucuses that he had won eight years earlier.

"I am officially suspending my campaign," the former Arkansas governor tweeted Monday night. "Thank you for all your loyal support. #ImWithHucK"Huckabee's decision to suspend the campaign was not planned, but after seeing the results he decided it was best to step out of the race.
"He is going to continue to push for the issues he believes, but right now this is about thanking his staff and supporters and being with his friends and families and see what doors will open next," said Hogan Gidley, Huckabee's spokesman.