Republican Bernie Moreno on Thursday dropped out of the crowded Ohio Senate primary, citing a conversation with former President Donald Trump.

Moreno said that during a private meeting with Trump Thursday afternoon, the two agreed the race was filled with too many “Trump candidates,” which could threaten the MAGA movement’s chances of holding onto the Senate seat. “I am a businessman, not a politician. Business leaders recognize patterns before they happen,” Moreno said.

“This decision may surprise some, but it is what I feel gives us the best chance of success. The stakes are too high. To whomever wins the Senate race, I hope and pray they take the actions needed to stop illegal immigration, bring our manufacturing base back to America, and shrink the size and scale of the Federal Government. It’s not too much for Americans to expect their government work for them,” the statement said.

Moreno, a luxury car dealer and now blockchain businessman, was one of the leading GOP contenders throwing in cash at a contest to replace retiring Republican Sen. Rob Portman — in what’s likely to be one of the closest watched midterms in 2022. Moreno gave $3.75 million of his own money to his campaign and launched a $4 million television ad spree in December.