(MIAMI) — Miami Mayor Francis Suarez on Tuesday suspended his bid for the presidency, dropping out of the 2024 race after failing to qualify for the first Republican debate. The two-term mayor became the first candidate to drop out of the crowded GOP field. He launched his campaign just over two months ago as one of the last competitors to join a primary race that has so far been dominated by former President Donald Trump. [time-brightcove not-tgx=”true”] “While I have decided to suspend my campaign for President, my commitment to making this a better nation for every American remains,” he said in a statement. He did not issue an endorsement, saying instead, “I look forward to keeping in touch with the other Republican presidential candidates and doing what I can to make sure our party puts forward a strong nominee who can inspire and unify the country, renew Americans’ trust in our institutions and in each other, and win.” Read More: A Trump-Less Debate, and a Vision of a Trump-Free GOP The 45-year-old Suarez was vying to become the first sitting mayor and first Latino elected president. The son of Miami’s first Cuban-born mayor, Suarez campaigned talking up his role as the only Hispanic candidate in the race and his experience leading the world-known city of Miami, home to about 450,000 residents, and confronting crime and homelessness. Suarez paid visits to early GOP voting states and said he could help the party further connect with Hispanics.