U.S. presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich has withdrawn his bid for the Republican presidential nomination.

Gingrich announced on Wednesday that he was suspending his campaign. He was quick to add, however, that “suspending the campaign does not mean suspending citizenship.” The former U.S. House speaker added he would remain active in many issues including education, energy, religious freedom and defense, among others.

Gingrich then called on conservatives to provide support to Mitt Romney as a better alternative to President Barack Obama.

With Gingrich abandoning his bid, only Texas Representative Ron Paul remains as a nominal challenger to Romney, who is likely to become the Republican Party’s presidential candidate.

Paul is expected to continue his campaign until the Republican Party holds its convention in August to nominate a candidate.