Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry is the first Republican candidate to drop out of the crowded race for president — announcing Friday afternoon in St. Louis, Mo., that he is suspending his campaign.

The announcement comes weeks after media reports surfaced that his campaign was tight on cash and that the campaign had stopped paying most staffers in early states, including Iowa.

At a speech in front of the Eagle Forum Friday, Perry gave a speech that touted his record as governor of Texas and his vision for America, often invoking faith throughout the speech.

“When I gave my life to Christ, I said, ‘your ways are greater than my ways. Your will superior to mine,'” Perry said.

But Perry said “some things have become clear” throughout his second run for president.

“That is why today I am suspending my campaign for the presidency of the United States,” Perry said.

The news also comes weeks after Sam Clovis — who was running Perry’s Iowa campaign — announced he was switching allegiances to frontrunner Donald Trump’s campaign.

Even though Trump did lob attacks at Perry throughout the campaign and often poked fun at Perry’s now-famous glasses, he wished him well after his announcement on Twitter:

.@GovernorPerry is a terrific guy and I wish him well- I know he will have a great future!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2015

“We have a tremendous field – the best in a generation – so I step aside knowing our party is in good hands, and as long as we listen to the grassroots, the cause of conservatism will be too,” Perry said.

Several GOP candidates also quickly released statements praising Perry.

“Governor Perry has dedicated his entire life to his family, friends, and Jesus Christ,” said U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. “He served in the United States Air Force and as governor of Texas with distinction, and I have no doubt that his service to our nation is not over. I commend him for running an honorable, positive campaign, and wish the best to him and his family.”

“Rick Perry is a great man and a committed public servant. One of the blessings of the 2012 Republican presidential primary was getting to know Rick and his family,” said former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa. “He became a truly wonderful friend and I am grateful for that bond each day. I wish him, his wife Anita, and their children nothing but the best. I am sure this is not the end of Governor Perry’s service to our nation.”

This was Perry’s second run for the White House. He ran in 2012, but dropped out after several poor debate performances and campaign mistakes that resulted in a drop of poll numbers.