Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore ended his long-shot bid for the presidency Friday following disappointing performances in New Hampshire and Iowa.

Gilmore, who often touted himself as the only veteran in the GOP field following the departure of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham from the race, neglected to campaign in Iowa, where he ended up only receiving 12 votes in the Iowa Caucus. 

He spent most of his time campaigning in New Hampshire, but only received 133 votes.

“My campaign was intended to offer the gubernatorial experience, with

the track record of a true conservative, experienced in national

security, to unite the party,” Gilmore said in a statement.

“Nonetheless, I will continue to express my concerns about the

dangers of electing someone who has pledged to continue Obama’s

disastrous policies,” Gilmore said.  “And, I will continue to do

everything I can to ensure that our next President is a free

enterprise Republican who will restore our nation to greatness and

keep our citizens safe.”