Laura Neuman leaves Maryland governor’s race, backs Franchot

“I need to thank the numerous supporters throughout the state who’ve invited me into their houses, shared their hopes with me, and labored to advance our imaginative and prescient for Maryland,” Neuman mentioned in an announcement. I entered the gubernatorial race as a result of I consider that each Marylander deserves entry to alternatives to thrive, no matter the place their story begins.”

Neuman mentioned she determined to again Franchot and his operating mate Monique Anderson-Walker as a result of “they share my dedication to delivering optimistic, lasting adjustments that enhance the standard of life for all Marylanders … I do know that Peter and Monique will deliver the manager expertise wanted to steer Maryland right into a extra equitable and affluent chapter.”

Neuman, an entrepreneur, publicly introduced her bid simply days earlier than the January marketing campaign finance submitting deadline and, on the time, she reported elevating $109,000 in a three-week span. However, her marketing campaign by no means actually gained momentum.

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Neuman is the second Democrat to withdraw from the race after a short-lived marketing campaign. Mike Rosenbaum, a Baltimore enterprise proprietor, dropped out of the race in November after a six-month run.

Franchot, who kinds himself as an “impartial Democrat,” mentioned he was honored to obtain Neuman’s endorsement, calling her “a champion for working households and an advocate for ladies’s justice.”

He mentioned he plans to incorporate Neuman on the marketing campaign path.

“I’m excited to marketing campaign alongside Laura and focus on the native points and solutions-based management wanted to get outcomes that folks can see and really feel,” he mentioned in an announcement.

As of Thursday, 10 Democrats, 4 Republicans and one Libertarian have formally filed for the July major.