Story highlights Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore is ending his long-shot bid for the Republican presidential nomination

Gilmore never had any momentum in the race, did not qualify for any of the Republican prime-time debates and also missed the cut for several of the undercard debates

(CNN) Former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore is ending his long-shot bid for the Republican presidential nomination, he said Friday.

Gilmore never had any momentum in the race, did not qualify for any of the Republican prime-time debates and also missed the cut for several of the undercard debates.

He received only 12 votes in the Iowa caucuses, placing him dead last. He won 133 votes in the New Hampshire primary.

My campaign was intended to offer the gubernatorial experience, with the track record of a true conservative, experienced in national security, to unite the party." Gilmore said in a statement. "My goal was to focus on the importance of this election as a real turning point, and to emphasize the dangers of continuing on a road that will further undermine America's economy and weaken our national security."

Gilmore said he will support the eventual GOP nominee.

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