In an unusual move, Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich announced he will be suspending his campaign Wednesday in a YouTube video addressed to his supporters and released early Tuesday morning.

“I want to take this opportunity to give you an insider, advance notice that on Wednesday, I’ll be officially suspending the campaign as part of a press event,” said Gingrich, standing beside an American flag. “I wanted you to know first because your help was vital.”

Gingrich, who formerly served as Speaker of the House, launched his presidential campaign in May of 2011. He won Republican primaries in two states — Georgia, his home state, and South Carolina. His campaign never quite took off, as rival Rick Santorum filled the “ultraconservative” role in contrast to Mitt Romney’s more centrist appearance.

In mid-April, Gingrich said he’d back Romney if he became the Republican nominee — which is all but assured now that both Gingrich and Santorum have left the race. Gingrich later said he’d suspend his campaign after losing all five Northeast primaries to Romney on April 24.

Gingrich’s campaign was reportedly $4.3 million in debt by the end of March.

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