Montana Gov. Steve Bullock quits Democratic presidential race, isn't running for Senate

Steve Bullock drops out of Democratic presidential race
(Image credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) ended his presidential run on Monday, explaining in a statement that "while there were many obstacles we could not have anticipated when entering 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." Bullock had some success when he jumped in the Democratic presidential race in May, raising $2 million in his first six weeks and qualifying for the July debate. But his candidacy, premised on his ability to win red states without sacrificing progressive ideas, captured attention while never quite catching fire.

Bullock also affirmed Monday that he will not run for Senate, despite appeals from national Democrats to challenge Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.). "While he plans to work hard to elect Democrats in the state and across the country in 2020, it will be in his capacity as a governor and a senior voice in the Democratic Party — not as a candidate for U.S. Senate," communications director Galia Slayen told The Washington Post.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.