And then there were fifteen.

In the wake of two relatively weak debate performances, and an unceremonious tanking in the polls following the second debate last week, the vast chasm that is the GOP field today has its first post-debate casualty: Governor Scott Walker. According to the New York Times, Governor Walker will announce his departure in a press conference this afternoon.

It comes as a bit of a surprise, given that Governor Walker’s Twitter account tweeted this just a few hours ago:

Thanks @DanZumbach for the kind words. We're here to fight and win in Iowa! #IAcaucus – SWhttps://t.co/AgZF9QOtCr

— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) September 21, 2015

Then, just hours later, the New York Times tweeted this:

Scott Walker has plans to drop out of the 2016 presidential campaign http://t.co/b70RUzmEP1 pic.twitter.com/fvjD2pB6gd

— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 21, 2015

It’s a shame that Governor Walker, who pre-candidacy announcement was polling well and thought to be the favorite for the GOP presidential nomination given his rock star status with both the establishment GOP as well as grassroots activists, couldn’t manage to excite the voters. It’s an unusual year. In a field offering several outside-the-beltway candidates—one in particular who’s managed to suck the oxygen from most all the other campaigns—anyone seen as a traditional establishment candidate, at least for the moment, seems to have little chance to prevail. We wish Governor Walker well. He would have made a terrific POTUS.

We will update with video of Governor Walker’s press conference as it becomes available.

[UPDATE: 3:10 p.m.]

At a press conference Monday afternoon, Governor Scott Walker announced he’ll “suspend” his 2016 presidential bid.