DES MOINES, Iowa Jan 3 (Reuters) - Texas Governor Rick Perry said on Tuesday he would return home to assess his U.S. Republican presidential bid after a fifth place showing in the Iowa caucuses.

"I have decided to return to Texas, assess the results of tonight's caucus to determine whether there is a path forward for myself in this race," Perry, who had led polls of Republican presidential candidates only months ago, told supporters. (Reporting By Deborah Charles)