First In, First Out: Ben Downing Ends Campaign For Governor

Ben Downing, the former state senator who earlier this year became the first person to enter the gubernatorial race, is ending his campaign for the state's highest office.

The Democrat announced Tuesday morning he would drop out, citing a lack of funds to compete in a far different race than the one he entered in February.

"In a year that took a lot out of all of us, we grew stronger at the broken places. I have seen the best of Massachusetts, alongside the deep need for more urgent, empathetic leadership. I have learned and grown. For all of that, I cannot say thank you enough," Downing said in a statement. "Unfortunately, we simply do not have the financial resources to continue. While it’s painful to admit, that reality has brought this chapter to a close."

Attorney General Maura Healey has been openly mulling taking a shot, while rumors swirl about former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh's interest.

Democrats State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz and Harvard professor Danielle Allen are running, as is Republican former State Rep. Geoff Diehl.

Downing launched his campaign running on a progressive message of "working to make a fairer, stronger, Massachusetts," according to his website. The 40-year-old from Pittsfield stepped away from the Legislature in 2017 after 10 years on Beacon Hill.

But he struggled to win funds, having less than $33,000 in his war chest, according to Office of Campaign and Political Finance reports. That is the least of any candidate, coming in some $166,000 under Chang-Diaz and some $354,000 under Allen.