Democrat Noel Ginsburg has dropped out of the Colorado governor's race, citing a poor showing in this month's precinct caucus as a key reason for withdrawing.
His campaign made the announcement in a release on Tuesday morning. Ginsburg notified his supporters in a letter, thanking them for their support and committing his support for the party's eventual nominee.
"This campaign has been an incredible experience, but after the results of the Caucuses earlier this month, it does not seem appropriate to submit our signatures or continue the assembly process," Ginsburg said in the release. "I am deeply grateful for all of my supporters and the many incredible Coloradans I’ve met along this journey. This may be the end of my campaign, but my fight for bettering this great state is far from over."
Following his exit, Ginsburg will return as chairman and CEO of CareerWise Colorado, according to the release. He founded the statewide youth apprenticeship system in 2016. The release said he will remain chairman and CEO of Intertech Plastics, which he founded.
"Although I am at peace with this decision, I must acknowledge that I do so with a tear in my eye and a heavy heart," Ginsburg wrote in his letter to supporters. "I love the campaign that we built and the platform it gave me to have a voice on issues that matter at such an uncertain time in our country. I will continue my lifelong quest to build a better world and fight to make Colorado an even better state."
Ginsburg's withdrawal is the first major shakeup in the crowded governor's race since Republican Tom Tancredo announced he was withdrawing in January.
Three Democrats have submitted petitions to appear in June's primary ballot: Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne, U.S. Rep. Jared Polis and Mike Johnston. Former Colorado State Treasurer Cary Kennedy, who won the party's precinct caucuses, is seeking a place in the primary ballot through the state assembly process.
Tuesday is the final day for candidates to file petitions to appear in the major party's primary ballot. They will have until 5 p.m. today to turn in petitions.
Who's still running for governor in Colorado?
Democrats
Mike Johnston - Submitted petitions Feb. 21; petitions approved on March 16
Cary Kennedy - Seeking primary appearance through assembly process
Donna Lynne - Submitted petitions March 19; awaiting verification
Jared Polis - Submitted petitions March 14; awaiting verification
Republicans
Cynthia Coffman - Seeking primary appearance through assembly process
Victor Mitchell - Submitted petitions March 7; awaiting verification
Doug Robinson - Submitted petitions March 5; awaiting verification
Walker Stapleton - Submitted petitions Feb. 23; awaiting verification
