One of the first Democratic candidates to announce plans to fill the Kansas U.S. Senate seat coming open due to Republican Pat Roberts' retirement dropped out of the race Thursday..
In a statement, former federal prosecutor Barry Grissom said he was suspending his campaign.
“While I’m incredibly proud and humbled by the support friends have given me during this campaign, I’m announcing that I no longer intend to seek the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Senate,” Grissom said in the statement.
Also in the statement was Grissom's endorsement of state Sen. Barbara Bollier.
Bollier, who represents a portion of Johnson County, Kansas, was formerly a Republican before switching parties last year. She announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate earlier this week.
“As our next U.S. Senator, I know Barbara Bollier will be an incredible advocate for working families and children," Grissom said, "and I will do everything in my power to help elect her."
The open Senate seat has drawn a crowded field of Republicans, including former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, Rep. Roger Marshall, Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, Kansas City area businessman Dave Lindstrom and conservative commentator Bryan Pruitt.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
