2020 Democratic candidate Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand told the New York Times in an interview Wednesday that she is withdrawing from the presidential race.
The big picture: Gillibrand attempted to brand herself as the women's candidate — focusing her campaign on reproductive rights, child care and her #MeToo advocacy. But with a relatively high number of women running, she struggled to stand out, leading to poor showing in the polls and a failure to qualify for next month's debates.
- Gillibrand also joined the race with some baggage. Some Democrats remain upset with her for ousting former Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) for sexual misconduct without a hearing.
- She previously had an "A"rating from the National Rifle Association and opposed amnesty for undocumented immigrants.
What she's saying:
Today, I am ending my campaign for president.
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) August 28, 2019
I am so proud of this team and all we've accomplished. But I think it’s important to know how you can best serve.
To our supporters: Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Now, let's go beat Donald Trump and win back the Senate. pic.twitter.com/xM5NGfgFGT
What's next: Gillibrand is not up for re-election in the Senate until 2024.
Go deeper: 2020 presidential election: Track which candidates are running
