Steve Bullock, Joe Sestak drop out of 2020 Democratic primary
By Emily Jacobs
December 2, 2019 | 10:23am
Steve Bullock (left) and Joe Sestak Getty Images
Another two bite the dust.
Democratic Montana Gov. Steve Bullock announced Monday he was dropping out of the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, just one day after former Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Sestak shut down his campaign.
Bullock, 53, based his campaign on winning back states and districts long held by Democrats that went to President Trump in 2016.
The two-term governor of Montana was the only Democrat who won a state-wide race in a GOP-stronghold during the 2016 election.
The moderate Dem had struggled to gain traction amongst primary voters after failing to meet the requirements to participate in debates and consistently polling in the single digits.
"While there were many obstacles we could not have anticipated when entering into this race, it has become clear that in this moment, I won't be able to break through to the top tier of this still-crowded field of candidates," Bullock wrote in a Medium post announcing his decision.
"While the concerns that propelled me to enter in the first place have not changed, I leave this race filled with gratitude and optimism, inspired and energized by the good people I've had the privilege of meeting over the course of the campaign."
Sestak, meanwhile, announced in a statement on Twitter Sunday that, "Without the privilege of national press, it is unfair to ask others to husband their resolve and to sacrifice resources any longer.
"I deeply appreciate the support so many of you offered — whether by volunteering, offering financial contributions or coming to our campaign events. I will miss the opportunities I had in experiencing America in such a wonderful way!"
Sestak, 67, launched a long-shot bid for the Democratic nomination in June, focusing on his military background and his continued efforts against the party establishment.
He failed to make a single debate stage due to low polling.
The two withdrawals from the race leave 17 contenders remaining.
Filed under 2020 presidential election , democrats , governors , montana , politicians , 12/2/19
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