Iowa Caucus 2016: Martin O'Malley Suspends Presidential Campaign

By Michael Oleaga Feb 02 2016, 01:23 AM EST

Democratic presidential candidate Martin O’Malley suspended his campaign on Monday night following the Iowa caucus results.

O'Malley, who announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination on May 30, 2015, attracted less than one percent of the Iowa caucus vote. According to the Iowa Democratic Party with 98 percent of precincts reporting following 1:07 a.m. EST, O'Malley received 0.6 percent, behind the 49.8 percent for Hillary Clinton and 49.6 percent for Bernie Sanders.

O'Malley's Message to Supporters

The former Maryland governor and Baltimore mayor has been a strong advocate for progressive values -- including comprehensive immigration reform, support for President Barack Obama's immigration executive actions, support of the Affordable Care Act, acknowledging the need to help Puerto Rico's financial and health crises, raising the minimum wage and college affordability -- issued an emailed statement to supporters about his decision, his journey and future.

"Iowa has been like a second home for me this past year. From college campuses to family farms, I have had the privilege of getting to know Iowans whose passion for our democracy is unmatched," O'Malley said. "I want to thank everyone who came out to our events, and lent me their ear. Everyone who went out to caucus for me tonight, and lent me their voice. I give you my deepest gratitude."

O'Malley's statement recognized that he and supporters have helped push many issues to the top of the Democratic Party's agenda.

"We must hold strong for the future of all of America's children-black and white-for a country with equal justice under the law and equal opportunity for all," continued O'Malley. "We must hold strong for our senior citizens who have given their all for our country and are left now to choose between food and medicine. We must hold strong for Latinos and Muslims and everyone defending us against the demagogues. We must hold strong for the future of Americas cities home of our greatest challenges and greatest opportunities. We must hold strong to our beliefs. A belief in the dignity of every person. A belief in our own responsibility to advance the common good we share. We all must hold strong to what this country truly is, can be, and should be, and must be."

Democratic Party's Response

Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz credited O'Malley campaign for focusing on the issues.

"Gov. O'Malley knows that progress is not inevitable - progress is a choice, and he has the record to show it. ... And although he is suspending his campaign, I know the Democratic Party will continue to rely on his experience and talents in our unified fight for a better future," said Wasserman Schultz, later adding, "The Democratic Party is stronger for his leadership, proud of his campaign, and excited to continue to work together in the months ahead. His voice and energy will be crucial to whoever emerges as our nominee, and we look forward to having him on the campaign trail again in support of our shared ideals."