Sean Parnell, a candidate endorsed by Donald Trump for Senate in Pennsylvania has suspended his campaign.
The decision comes after a judge awarded Parnell’s estranged wife, Laurie Snell primary physical custody and sole legal custody of the couple’s three children, according to an order that was made public Monday. The judge also determined that Parnell committed some abusive acts toward his wife in the past, CNN reports.
“There is nothing more important to me than my children, and while I plan to ask the court to reconsider, I can’t continue with a Senate campaign,” Parnell said in a statement. “My focus right now is 100% on my children, and I want them to know I do not have any other priorities and will never stop fighting for them. Thank you.”
Parnell was endorsed by Trump to fill the seat left vacant by Republican senator Pat Toomey who is retiring in 2022.
However, Parnell’s ongoing court battles became the central focus of his campaign. Snell has accused Parnell of being physically abusive toward her and injuring their children on two occasions. Parnell has denied this claims and accuse his wife of lying to damage his political career. But, the judge overseeing the custody case said that he believed Snell was a more credible witness.
Parnell reportedly called Trump to inform him of his decision to leave the race.
