WISCONSIN (CBS 58) — Milwaukee Alderman Peter Burgelis has suspended his campaign for Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District, saying Democrats should unite behind a single candidate in an effort to defeat Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil in November.

In a statement Wednesday, Burgelis said he entered the race believing southeastern Wisconsin deserved leadership focused on working families and thanked the volunteers, donors and supporters who backed his campaign.

"I entered this race because I believe southeastern Wisconsin deserves leadership that is accountable, accessible, and focused on delivering results for working families," Burgelis said.

Burgelis said he made the decision after concluding that defeating Steil should be the Democratic Party's top priority.

"The stakes in this election are too high to lose sight of our common purpose," Burgelis said. "Whoever represents our party should have the full support of Democrats committed to moving southeastern Wisconsin forward."

Burgelis also announced he has endorsed fellow Democratic candidate Mitchell Berman and said he has offered to assist his campaign moving forward.

"I called Mitchell to offer help in any way I can as we work toward the shared goal of defeating Bryan Steil and the harmful Trump regime," Burgelis said.

While ending his congressional campaign, Burgelis said he will continue serving residents of Milwaukee's 11th Aldermanic District.

"While my campaign for Congress is ending, my commitment to public service is not," Burgelis said. "I remain optimistic about the future of southeastern Wisconsin and will continue working every day to make our community stronger."