Full transcript of Nikki Haley’s comments as she dropped out of the GOP Primary

Nikki Haley suspended her presidential run Wednesday morning and delivered remarks at her headquarters on South Carolina’s Daniel Island. The following is a transcript of her comments, as captured by The New York Times.

Good morning. A little over a year ago I launched my campaign for president.

When I started, I said the campaign was based on my love for our country.

Last week, my mother, a first-generation immigrant, got to vote for her daughter for president.

Only in America.

I am filled with gratitude for the outpouring of support we have received from across this great country.

But now the time has come to suspend my campaign.

I said I wanted Americans to make their voices heard.

I did that.

I have no regrets.

And while I will no longer be a candidate, I will not stop using my voice for the things I believe in.

Our national debt will ultimately crush our economy. A smaller federal government is necessary not only for our freedom, but for our survival. The road to socialism is the road to ruin for America.

Our Congress is dysfunctional and is only getting worse. It is filled with followers, not leaders. Term limits for politicians in Washington are needed now more than ever.

Our world is on fire because of America’s withdrawal. It is a moral obligation to support our allies in Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. But it is also more than that. If we retreat further, there will be more war, not less.

Equally important, while we stand strong in the cause of freedom, we must connect as Americans. We must turn away from the darkness of hatred and division.

I will continue to promote all of these values, as well as the right of every American.

I sought the honor of being your president. But in our great country, being a private citizen is in itself a privilege. And that is a privilege that I am very much looking forward to.

In all likelihood, Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee at our party convention in July. I congratulate him and wish him the best. I wish the best to anyone who wants to become President of America. Our country is too precious to let our differences divide us.

I have always been a conservative Republican and have always supported the Republican candidate.

But on this question, as on so many others, Margaret Thatcher gave some good advice when she said: ‘Never just follow the crowd. Always form your own opinion.”

It is now up to Donald Trump to earn the votes of those in our party and beyond who did not support him. And I hope he does. At its best, politics is about bringing people into your cause, not turning them away. And our conservative cause desperately needs more people. Now is his time to choose.

I end my campaign with the same words I started with, from the book of Joshua. I address them to all Americans, but especially to so many women and girls who put their trust in our campaign: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Don’t be discouraged. For God will be with you wherever you go.”

In this campaign I have seen the greatness of our country. From the bottom of my heart: thank you, America. God bless you.