UPDATE: Gingrich ends campaign, vows to help defeat Obama - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

ARLINGTON, Va. (WKOW) -- Newt Gingrich suspended his presidential campaign Wednesday, just a short of a year after entering the race.

The former House speaker didn't use the word "endorse," but did vow to help Mitt Romney defeat President Barack Obama in November.

After losing contests in five states last week, Gingrich said it was clear that Romney would be the Republican nominee and signaled that his topsy-turvy campaign had reached its end.

Gingrich now has the challenge of paying off more than $4 million in campaign debt.

Gingrich said the campaign was "an amazing year" for his entire family.

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WASHINGTON (WKOW) – Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich plans to end his presidential campaign Wednesday, but his critical statements about Mitt Romney will continue to be heard online.

The Obama campaign has released an 80-second web video—a compilation of clips from interviews and debates that show Gingrich criticizing Romney on several issues from immigration to his background as a venture capitalist.

Gingrich won just two primaries during his presidential run—in South Carolina and Georgia, which he represented in Congress for 20 years. His campaign has reported its more than $4 million in debt.

You can watch Gingrich announce that he's ending his campaign live Wednesday at 2 p.m. on www.wkow.com/live.