Senator Bernie Sanders, a democratic socialist and voice of the progressive movement, withdrew his candidacy for the Democratic presidential race Wednesday on a live stream.

Sanders came to this decision after a series of losses in important states such as Florida and Michigan. Although it is almost certain the next democratic nominee will be Joe Biden, Sanders has chosen to leave his name on the ballot in states that have yet to vote in their primaries. This is a move that would give him leverage to influence the Democratic platform and continue carrying his message.

“I cannot in good conscience continue to mount a campaign that cannot win and which would interfere with the important work required of all of us in this difficult hour,” Sanders said during his live stream.

Sanders characterized liberal policies such as “Medicare for all” and free four-year public colleges to lift up America’s working class, but he faced opposition from many party leaders, elected officials and major donors, as well as large numbers of voters who saw him as too far left.

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Sanders could no longer continue to campaign as normal. He continued to spread his message through social media and television appearances. However, the pressure to drop out and unify the democratic party behind Biden eventually became too great.