New Jersey Senator Cory Booker (D) announced Monday that he was dropping his bid to become the Democratic presidential nominee in 2020 after his campaign struggled to connect with voters and donors ahead of the crucial Iowa caucuses on Feb. 3.
News of Booker's decision to suspend his campaign comes the day before the seventh Democratic debate scheduled for Tuesday in Iowa. Recent polling showed that Booker had also struggled in the crucial early state with the New Jersey senator finishing outside the top tier of candidates that include former Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Vice President Joe Biden, and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren.
"It’s with a full heart that I share this news—I’m suspending my campaign for president," Booker wrote in a tweet announcing his decision. "To my team, supporters, and everyone who gave me a shot—thank you. I am so proud of what we built, and I feel nothing but faith in what we can accomplish together."
The junior senator from New Jersey was first elected to the senate in 2014 after serving as the 28th Mayor of Newark for several years. Booker is best known for his progressive stances, giving him the third most liberal voting record in the chamber. As a social liberal, Booker has gone on record supporting women's rights, affirmative action, same-sex marriage and single-payer healthcare during his time in the Senate.
"There's nothing in that realm of progressive politics where you won't find me," Booker said of his political alignment.
Booker announced his campaign on February 1st, with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, Sen. Bob Menendez and every Democratic member of the House of Representatives in New Jersey endorsing his campaign.
Photo: Getty Images