Francis Suarez Quits Mayoral Race

MIAMI (CBS4) - Commissioner Francis Suarez has decided to end his campaign to be the mayor of Miami.

Suarez's decision comes after several high profile blows to his campaign, including an investigation into absentee ballot fraud and a former staffer tweets mocking Suarez's constituents.

In an impromptu news conference held as his home Monday night, Suarez admits that his campaign has suffered some setbacks, but points to his pregnant wife as the real reason for stepping down.

Suarez said he and his wife have been trying to conceive for four years and learned this summer they are expecting.

"This campaign obviously particularly in the last couple weeks became very difficult and very negative.  It was a concern for me that the negativity was going to affect me and my family and I did not think it was in the best interest of my family to continue," Suarez said.

Suarez compared his campaign to a rollercoaster.

"There's moments when you're on top and it seems like you can do no wrong and there's moments when you can do no right," he said adding that he's learned lessons from recent setbacks.

"It's very hard when you have prided yourself on being an ethical public official and when something like this happens.  It's unfortunate, but it's a learning experience and something I'll grow from and I'll have an opportunity,  God willing,  maybe in a different moment to try this again."

Suarez says he'll talk to elections lawyers about what to do with the remainder of the million plus dollars he raised for the campaign. 

He'll continue to serve as a city commissioner for another two years.