Pennsylvania Republican Sean Parnell suspended his U.S. Senate campaign on Monday after losing a custody battle with his estranged wife, who claimed that Parnell physically and verbally abused her during their marriage.

I strongly disagree with the ruling today and Im devastated by the decision, Parnell said in a statement. I plan on asking the court to reconsider this decision. In the order, two of the leading factors that weighed heavily in the judges decision revolved around me being a leading U.S. Senate candidate.

There is nothing more important to me than my children, and while I plan to ask the court to reconsider, I cant continue with a Senate campaign. My focus right now is 100% on my children, and I want them to know I do not have any other priorities and will never stop fighting for them.

A judge on Monday awarded Parnells wife, Laurie Snell, sole legal custody and primary physical custody of their children, ages 8 to 12. Parnell can still see his children three weekends a month.

Though the former Army Ranger and Fox News personality retains some custody rights, the ruling favors his estranged wife, who described instances of domestic abuse in court. The couple separated in 2018 and had previously split custody.

Parnell had sought shared legal custody and sole physical custody, according to court documents.

In his ruling, Judge James G. Arner wrote that he found Snell to be the more credible witness and derided Parnells demeanor on the stand.

Parnell was somewhat evasive, the judge wrote. When weighing his position against Laurie Snells statement of detailed facts about many incidents, Sean Parnells position is less believable.

Parnell entered the primary in May and won former President Donald Trump s endorsement in September, making him the perceived front-runner in a crowded Republican field. Now his suspension creates an opening for another candidate to claim Trumps support.

Today, @SeanParnellUSA spoke w/ Pres. Trump and told him of his intention to suspend his campaign given the decision by the PA court, Trump spokesperson Taylor Budowich tweeted. #PASen remains a top priority for Pres. Trump & the 22 MAGA Map rallying our movement behind the best America 1st candidate remains critical.

Pennsylvanias Senate race in 2022 has major implications for control of the upper chamber, split now 50-50 with Vice President Kamala Harris able to cast the tie-breaking vote. Republican Pat Toomey is not seeking reelection, and the swing-state contest is considered a true toss-up.