Former South Bend, Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg announced yesterday that he was suspending his campaign for president in the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary. The announcement came at a surprising moment, with "Super Tuesday," the day of the Democratic Primary with the most amount of delegates up for grabs, happening tomorrow. However, after poor showings in Nevada and South Carolina, two states with large blocs of POC voters, Buttigieg's campaign evidently saw no path to the nomination.

The timing also raised suspicions that Buttigieg may be coordinating with other candidates to blunt Bernie Sanders momentum, as the Vermont independent has large leads in states like Texas and California and appears on track to enter the Democratic National Convention with at least a plurality of delegates (Donald Trump apparently subscribes to this theory). Some have guessed that perhaps Buttigieg has cut a deal with Joe Biden, the leading moderate remaining in the field, to be his running mate down the line.

While the ramifications of Buttigieg's sudden departure are yet to be fully understood, Twitter users sent him off with a characteristic cocktail of tributes and memes, with many praising the fact Buttigieg was such a high-profile LGBTQ candidate.

I am grateful for Pete being in this race. He opened a big door and it should be celebrated. Just bc he wasn’t my first choice doesn’t mean I don’t believe he cares immensely about this country and moving progressive ideas forward. Thank you, Pete!

— Kyle Krieger (@kylekrieger) March 1, 2020

Great politicians know when to charge ahead and when to stand down. Mayor Pete ran an incredible campaign that exceeded all expectations. His ability to make the difficult decision tonight tells me he will be a major player in American politics for a long time to come. pic.twitter.com/fp2Ti5dHiM

— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) March 1, 2020

Mayor Pete has so much to be proud of. What a historic candidacy. Can’t wait to see him as our next Secretary of State or Defense. https://t.co/UklRBWMkJN

— Neal Katyal (@neal_katyal) March 1, 2020

Others less enamored with Buttigieg offered tributes with a little more schadenfreude.

first sufjan, now pete. what’s it with episcopalians and only lasting like two states?

— Mason Mennenga (@masonmennenga) March 2, 2020

as someone who's exactly 13 days older than Pete Buttigieg, I suppose I could've warned him that I gave up on all my ambitions in life a couple weeks ago

— Al Shipley (@alshipley) March 2, 2020

Pete Buttigieg ran a bold campaign and gave us a lot to think about. For instance, one year ago I didn't really understand what McKinsey does and now I'm even more confused

— Zach Schonfeld (@zzzzaaaacccchhh) March 1, 2020

huge win for the LGBTQ (Let’s Get Buttigieg To Quit) community

— foxes in fiction 💐 (@foxesinfiction) March 1, 2020

It seems unlikely we've seen the last of Pete Buttigieg, but as for how his departure will shake up the race, we'll have to wait til tomorrow to see.