Perry abandons bid, backs Gingrich

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Texas Gov. Rick Perry abandoned his presidential bid and endorsed Newt Gingrich Thursday.

Republican officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting the Republican presidential candidate’s announcement, which took place at 11 a.m. Thursday.

He has faced calls to drop out of the race in recent days as polls show him languishing while Gingrich gains steam.