CHARLESTON, S.C. — Texas Gov. Rick Perry will abandon his presidential bid and endorse Newt Gingrich, two Republican officials said this morning, a move coming just two days before the pivotal South Carolina primary as Republican front-runner Mitt Romney struggles to fend off a challenge from the former House speaker.

Perry scheduled a news conference this morning in South Carolina to announce his decision.

The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting the announcement.

Perry has faced calls in recent days to drop out of the race to compel conservative voters, whose support has been divided among several conservative candidates, to rally behind Gingrich in hopes of stopping Romney.

Recent polls show Gingrich gaining steam heading into Saturday’s contest.