Story highlights Martin O'Malley ended his presidential campaign on Monday after failing to register in the Iowa caucuses

"We fought very, very hard in order to give the people a choice, and the people made their choice tonight," O'Malley said at a rally in Des Moines, Iowa

Washington (CNN) Martin O'Malley and Mike Huckabee ended their presidential campaigns Monday after failing to register in the Iowa caucuses.

The two former governors had banked on a strong showing in the Hawkeye State to buoy their candidacies, but failed to gain traction against better-funded operations and an election season marked by voter desire for anti-establishment candidates.

"This fight continues," O'Malley said at a rally in Des Moines, Iowa. "We fought very, very hard in order to give the people a choice, and the people made their choice tonight."

The former Maryland governor used his speech to push for greater gun control, action to address climate change, equal pay for women and other efforts to address income inequality. He expressed gratitude to his supporters and the people of Iowa, but took a moment to denounce the "racist and fascist rhetoric of Donald Trump."

"We have to hold strong to the values that make us Americans," said O'Malley as his family stood by his side. "And that, too, was what this tough fight was about."

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