Another Major CA Candidate Drops Out Of Governor's Race

Former California Senate leader Toni Atkins has announced that she will withdraw her bid in the crowded race for Gov. Gavin Newsom's seat.

In a pubic statement, Atkins said, "there is simply no viable path forward to victory."

Atkins is the second Democrat, after Vice President Kamala Harris, to exit the race.

Atkins formerly served as Speaker of the Assembly and Senate President Pro Tem. Much like her political career thus far, her bid for governor would have been historic.

Atkins has long broken barriers, becoming the first openly lesbian lawmaker to serve as Assembly speaker and the first woman and openly gay legislator to lead the Senate as president pro tempore.

However, Atkins hasn't done well in the polls, despite being flush with campaign cash, according to reports.

In last month's Berkeley IGS Poll, Atkins had just 1 percent of voter support.

Atkins is not seeking another statewide office at this time, a campaign spokesperson told Politico.

In her letter to supporters, Atkins talked about her upbringing in rural Virginia.

"I was often reminded that I didn’t fit in — too country, too poor, too gay. But when I came to this state, I found something different: opportunity and acceptance."

Since moving to California, Atkins says she was able to buy a home, marry her wife Jennifer and build her public service career.

"California gave me everything," she said.

From her time beginning on the San Diego City Council, Atkins says she's achieved a lot and had hoped to build on the state's progress.

"That’s why it’s with such a heavy heart that I’m stepping aside today as a candidate for governor. Despite the strong support we’ve received and all we’ve achieved, there is simply no viable path forward to victory. Though my campaign is ending, I will keep fighting for California’s future."

Atkins said Trump and his allies have threatened her work.

"...gutting health care, cratering our economy, and stripping away fundamental rights and freedoms — we’ve got to make sure California has a Democratic governor leading the fight, and that means uniting as Democrats."

READ MORE: Harris Won't Run For CA Governor 'After Deep Reflection'