COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Gov. John Kasich is acknowledging that his message “wasn’t a great sound byte” and he is suspending his campaign for president.

The two-year Ohio governor and former congressman was visibly emotional Wednesday as he thanked his family, campaign staff and supporters without ever saying directly what would happen to his campaign.

Kasich had perpetually trailed even as the crowded GOP field narrowed. But Kasich was insisting — even as recently as after Texas Sen. Ted Cruz’ departure from the race Tuesday night — that he would remain in the race until New York billionaire Donald Trump definitely secured the 1,237 delegates necessary to clinch the GOP nomination.

He thanked his wife, twin daughters, campaign staff and armies of volunteers.

Kasich said of his staff, “Nobody has ever done more with less in the history of politics.