John Walsh, a former U.S. attorney, announced Wednesday he would be dropping out of Colorado’s U.S. Senate race and endorsing former Colordo governor, John Hickenlooper.

Walsh sent an email and video message to supporters, Walsh said he ended his Democratic campaign and will be throwing his support behind the former governor, who is a friend of his. He’s the second candidate to leave the race due to Hickenlooper’s entry; Mike Johnston did so last week.

“After talking with my family, my friends and with Governor Hickenlooper, I have concluded that Governor Hickenlooper offers our clear and best opportunity to defeat Cory Gardner,His long record of fighting for Coloradans is unmatched and leaves no doubt in my mind that he will win this campaign, and that he will make an outstanding senator.”
John Walsh in email to supporters

Hickenlooper said in a statement that Walsh ran a strong campaign centered on giving everyone a fair shot at the American Dream. Hickenlooper in spite of his age is pretty popular with the younger voters. He was in office and signed the legislation law, although he back tracked a bit saying he thinks they need to take a closer look at the feasibility and was open to possibly repealing it. It also wasn’t uncommon to see “Hick” jamming onstage or at a festival on his banjo sitting in on a bluegrass stage.

“I’m honored to have his support in my campaign for U.S. Senate and look forward to hitting the trail with him to defeat Cory Gardner,”
Former Governor Hickenlooper

Walsh raised nearly $800,000 in the first three months of the race, placing him near the top of the fundraising race. He gained early support from Democrat appointed Justice Department officials, such as former Attorney General Eric Holder and former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates.

“I will never stop working to defend our country, our Constitution and our democracy, That means doing everything I can to help Governor Hickenlooper, and also ensuring that our Democratic candidates up and down the ballot prevail in 2020.”
John Walsh

Walsh will be facing Senator Cory Gardner in 2020. Gardner is very popular in the rural and foothill areas of Colorado. Gardner has helped boost the Colorado economy by helping oil companies. Oil is a huge revenue for the state. The changing political climate in Colorado will make it challenging for Gardner to beat Hickenlooper. Hickenlooper has the support of the more populated areas such as Denver and Boulder. Gardner is popular in Golden, up in Teller County and the oil and ranching areas.