House Minority Leader Casey Schreiner dropped out of the gubernatorial race Monday, leaving just two candidates running in the Montana Democratic primary race for governor.
The four-term Great Falls state representative is suspending his campaign four months before Montana’s June 2 primary. In a statement, Schreiner said he doesn't have the resources needed to run a competitive campaign.
Schreiner’s withdrawal leaves current Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney and businesswoman Whitney Williams in the contest.
Gov. Steve Bullock is terming out of office, and Democrats are seeking to continue their decade-and-a-half control of the executive branch. High-ranking members of the Montana GOP have named the governor's race a top priority for the party in 2020.
The Republican primary race includes current Attorney General Tim Fox, U.S. Congressman Greg Gianforte and state Sen. Al Olszewski.
Schreiner is the second Democrat to drop out of his party’s primary race. Former Livingston state Representative Reilly Neill withdrew in January. Both lagged behind the other candidates in fundraising.
