Former Lt. Governor Bill Halter announced Monday (July 29) his decision to withdraw from the Democratic primary for Arkansas governor.
Halter announced his decision this morning in an e-mail to supporters.
“But since we announced our gubernatorial campaign another strong candidate has entered the primary election and in order to avoid a divisive primary and to help unite the Democratic Party, I am ending my campaign for Governor,” he wrote. “I congratulate Mike Ross on a great start to his campaign and I will be working hard to elect him and other Democratic nominees for office in the coming election.”
Ross, a former U.S. representative has raised nearly $2 million since he launched his bid for the state’s top office in April.
In a statement released by Ross’ campaign, he said Halter personally called him Monday morning to tell him the news.
“I thanked him for his many years of service to the state of Arkansas, and said that I hope he continues to pursue public service,” Ross writes. “It’s clear Bill loves Arkansas and cares deeply for the people of this great state.”
