Conservative radio talk-show host and recall-election gubernatorial candidate Larry Elder announced in a media statement on Tuesday, Jan. 4, that he will not run against Gov. Gavin Newsom next year.

The statement said Elder has formed the “Elder for America” political action committee, which aims to help Republicans take back the House and Senate as well as buoying local GOP candidates.

Of the 12.8 million voters who participated in the November recall effort, 61.9% voted to retain Newsom, while 38.1% voted to recall; 46 candidates — nine Democrats and 24 Republicans — ran in the election.

Though unsuccessful in unseating the governor, Elder led candidates who sought to replace him, with 48.4% of the votes among the hopefuls.

Following Elder were Democrat and YouTube star Kevin Paffrath with 9.6% of the vote and ex-San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, a Republican, with 8%. Elder snagged 3.5 million votes.

“I ran for governor because I wanted to make a difference,” Elder said in his statement. “While I may not know what the future holds for me politically, our campaign’s ability to attract millions of votes and millions of dollars in a very short time demonstrates we have a message that resonates with Americans, and I believe we can put that to good use.”

The statement said Elder’s PAC would launch public education campaigns, woo voters directly and raise funds for GOP candidates.

In just two months, the self-styled “Sage from South Central” went from conservative talk radio host to leader of the GOP field in the recall drive, drawing national headlines, attracting enthusiastic fans to his rallies and quickly banking millions for his first campaign. Elder’s campaign said the he raised at least $22.5 million during the eight-week effort.

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The 69-year-old lawyer and author emerged as a GOP luminary of the moment by employing an aggressive style honed during decades on talk radio. He relentlessly attacked Newsom and his handling of the pandemic and progressive policies on immigration, climate change and other issues. While falling short of the votes needed to oust the governor by a lopsided margin, Elder set off speculation about his intensified clout among California conservatives.

Back before the election, Elder conspicuously didn’t answer directly when asked if he would consider a 2022 rematch against Newsom, who has said he plans to seek a second term.

“A lot of people have invested their hopes and dreams in me,” Elder said in September. “A lot of people feel that I can make California better.”

Elder’s recall campaign also came with controversy.

A former fiancee said Elder was emotionally abusive in their relationship. Elder denied the allegation.

Elder also disputed the notion of systemic racism in America and is critical of Black Lives Matter, positions that have put him in conflict with many other Black residents.

The Associated Press contributed to this report