UPDATE - US: Elizabeth Warren ending White House race

ADDS DETAILS THROUGHOUT, CHANGES HEADLINE

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren dropped out of the presidential race Thursday.

"I want to start with the news. I want all of you to hear it first, and I want you to hear it straight from me: Today, I’m suspending our campaign for president," the Massachusetts lawmaker said in a telephone call with campaign staff.

The New York Times was the first to report news of the impending suspension.

It said Warren "will inform her staff of her plans later this morning,” citing a person close to Warren who suffered a disappointing result on Super Tuesday.

In a major blow to Warren, former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden took top place in her home state with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders coming in second in primary voting. Warren was on track to finish third, increasing questions about the viability of her campaign.

Speaking to reporters in her home state, Warren said she will endorse one of her rivals, but "not today."

"We don’t have to decide that this minute," she said.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Warren dropped out too late.

"Elizabeth ‘Pocahontas’ Warren, who was going nowhere except into Mini Mike’s head, just dropped out of the Democrat Primary...THREE DAYS TOO LATE. She cost Crazy Bernie, at least, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Texas. Probably cost him the nomination! Came in third in Mass," Trump tweeted, using his nickname for the senator.

On Wednesday, former billionaire New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg ended his presidential campaign, a day after he had a single win on Super Tuesday.

The remaining Democratic contenders include Biden, Sanders and congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.