Chris Christie was expected to drop out of the 2024 Republican presidential race Wednesday night — ending his second White House bid five days before the first nominating contest.

The Associated Press reported that Christie had alerted allies he would make a “major announcement” at a town hall in Windham, NH. Bloomberg News, citing a source familiar with Christie’s plans, reported that he would end his campaign.

Early Wednesday afternoon, Christie’s campaign had sent a fundraising email imploring would-be donors: “Don’t let our ads go dark.”

Christie had resisted pressure to drop out of the race in recent days as polls showed former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley gathering support as the alternative to former President Donald Trump.

With Christie, the most strident anti-Trump voice, out of the race — and with the backing of popular GOP Chris Sununu behind Haley — the former US ambassador to the United Nations appears poised to pick up more support ahead of the Jan. 23 first-in-the-nation primary.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.