Democrat Noel Ginsburg dropped out of the race to be Colorado's next governor on Tuesday, saying in a statement on his website he would "fight for whomever wins the primary to ensure we have a democratic governor in Colorado."
Ginsburg is the founder of CareerWise, America’s first statewide youth apprenticeship and job training program.
He cited a poor showing in the party's March 6 non-binding caucuses - roughly 2 percent - in making his announcement Tuesday.
"I have come to the conclusion that, after the results of the statewide caucus, it is no longer viable for me to continue my campaign for governor and I am withdrawing from the race," his statement continued.
Former state Sen. Mike Johnston has qualified for the primary. Also in the running are former state treasurer Cary Kennedy, U.S. Rep. Jared Polis and Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne.
Candidates can make the primary by getting at least 30 percent of delegate votes at the party's state assembly on April 14 or by petitioning their way onto the ballot, as Johnston did.
Kennedy released a statement about Ginsburg's move that read in part:
“I admire his integrity and know that Colorado will continue to benefit from his leadership. CareerWise, the innovative youth apprenticeship program Noel built and championed, is a model for the nation. I look forward to working closely with Noel to learn more and build on its success.”
CoLorado’s primary is coming up June 26 and will allow independent voters to participate for the first time.
Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper is term-limited.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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