Republican Mitt Romney said on Friday (January 30) he will not seek to run for president in 2016.
In a statement, Romney told supporters he had opted against a run.
Romney for the past three weeks has been seeking traction for another presidential run after he was defeated by Democratic President Barack Obama in 2012.
On Wednesday, he visited Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, and in a closely watched speech, he emphasized a commitment to tackle poverty in America, a correction from his 2012 candidacy when he was dragged down by his wealthy image.
Romney and his team had been heartened by polls showing him leading the field in the early days of the 2016 race. Applause broke out at Mississippi State University on Wednesday night when Romney told a packed auditorium he was considering a run.
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY HANDOUT/ NBC/Reuters
