North Carolina State Sen. Jeff Jackson announced he is suspending his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring incumbent Sen. Richard Burr.

The Democrat, who represents Mecklenburg County, has long been seen as one of the top two Democratic candidates in the race, along with former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished, but everyone needs to know when to step aside,” Jackson said.

During his grassroots campaign, Jackson held town halls in all 100 North Carolina counties and visited dozens of colleges and universities, according to a news release. 

He says he will continue his effort to flip North Carolina's U.S. Senate seat blue in 2022. In Jackson's announcement, he endorsed Beasley.

“Cheri Beasley has served this state honorably for over two decades and has always fought for justice. She’ll be a great U.S. Senator for North Carolina. Unlike the Republicans in this race, we won’t be participating in a costly and divisive primary. If we’re going to flip this seat in November, we need to unite – and we need to unite behind Cheri,” he said.

Beasley also released a statement, and says she is grateful for his endorsement.

“Senator Jackson brought attention to the issues important to so many North Carolinians, and I know he will continue to do meaningful work in the state Senate. I’m grateful to have his support in this race,” she said.