Toni Atkins drops out of crowded California governor race

Former San Diego state Sen. Toni Atkins is ending her campaign for California governor, making her the latest candidate to withdraw from what remains a crowded race with no dominant front-runner.

Atkins had hoped to break out in the race with the help of a strong base of support in San Diego and high-profile former positions as Senate president pro tem and Assembly speaker. In recent weeks, she opened a campaign office in San Diego with some top politicians and followed with a statewide tour to boost her profile.

In August, Atkins had more campaign cash on hand than any other Democrat in the race but was still polling in the single digits.

In a statement Monday, Atkins said there was no path forward for her candidacy.

“I entered this race because I still believe in the promise of California — and I’ve spent my life trying to fulfill that promise for more Californians,” Atkins said. “Though my campaign is ending, I will keep fighting for California’s future.”

Atkins did not endorse any other candidates in the statement, and she does not plan to run for another office, said campaign spokesperson Danni Wang.

Atkins’ departure from the race follows that of Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, who pivoted to a bid for state treasurer.

Recent polling in the race suggests no other candidate has yet established a commanding base of support. A recent UC Berkeley poll found 38% of voters undecided and the highest-polling candidate Katie Porter, the former Orange County congresswoman who launched a failed bid for Senate last year, at 17%.

Ten percent of respondents said they supported Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, while Xavier Becerra, the former state attorney general and U.S. health secretary, had 9% support and Fox News personality Steve Hilton 6%.

A primary in the race will be held in June.