September 11, 2019 08:49 AM UTC

John Walsh Exits Senate Race, Backs Hickenlooper

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• by: Colorado Pols

UPDATE: The Denver Post’s Justin Wingerter:

In a morning email and video message to supporters, Walsh said he has suspended his Democratic campaign and backs 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,” Walsh said in the email to supporters, referring to the Republican senator he had hoped to take on in 2020. “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.”

Walsh raised $777,000 in the first three months of his candidacy, placing him near the top of the fundraising race. He gained early support from Obama-era Justice Department officials, such as former Attorney General Eric Holder and former Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates.

Former U.S. Attorney John Walsh’s exit statement is all about the long-term objective of taking down Sen. Cory Gardner in 2020, and his assessment that former Gov. John Hickenlooper is the best-qualified candidate to ensure that outcome. We’ve always considered Walsh to be a professional first and a politician second, and that’s what this decision reflects–a professional focus on the big picture.

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As Ernest Luning of the publication formerly know as the Colorado Statesman reports:

BREAKING: @johnwalshco, former US attorney for Colorado, suspends #COSen campaign and endorses John @Hickenlooper, says former gov “offers our clear and best opportunity to defeat Cory Gardner” #copolitics pic.twitter.com/02DvmcaG8v

— Ernest Lee Luning (@eluning) September 11, 2019