Final woman, Gabbard leaves Democratic White House race

WASHINGTON

Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard announced Thursday she is formally ending her 2020 White House bid, marking the departure of the final woman seeking the party's nomination.

Gabbard cited the ongoing global fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are all in this together. And we must all rise to meet this moment in service to our country and our fellow man.

"It is once again time, as Americans and neighbors in this global community, that we stand together once again and work hand-in-hand to defeat this new enemy: the coronavirus," the Hawaiian congresswoman said in a video message to supporters.

"I feel that the best way that I can be of service at this time is to continue to work for the health and well-being of the people of Hawaii and our country in Congress and to stand ready to serve in uniform should the Hawaii National Guard be activated," she added, referring to her status as a national guard reserve member.

Gabbard is the first female combat veteran to run for office, but her campaign had struggled to gain momentum, and corresponding funding that it brings, since she announced her bid in January 2019.

With her departure the Democratic field is narrowed to Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, the front-runner who Gabbard threw her "full support" behind.

"After Tuesday's election it is clear that Democratic primary voters have chosen Vice President Joe Biden to be the person who will take on President Trump in the general election," she said.

Biden swept three primaries Tuesday, further solidifying his lead over Sanders who is now confronted with a difficult decision whether to terminate his campaign or continue without a clear path to the nomination.

WASHINGTON

Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard announced Thursday she is formally ending her 2020 White House bid, marking the departure of the final woman seeking the party's nomination.

Gabbard cited the ongoing global fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are all in this together. And we must all rise to meet this moment in service to our country and our fellow man.

Gabbard is the first female combat veteran to run for office, but her campaign had struggled to gain momentum, and corresponding funding that it brings, since she announced her bid in January 2019.

With her departure the Democratic field is narrowed to Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, the front-runner who Gabbard threw her "full support" behind.

"After Tuesday's election it is clear that Democratic primary voters have chosen Vice President Joe Biden to be the person who will take on President Trump in the general election," she said.