Another 2020 Contender Calls It Quits

The Democratic field just dropped by one in the new year: Julian Castro is out. The former HUD secretary and the only Latino candidate in the race called it quits Thursday morning, reports CNBC. "It's with profound gratitude to all of our supporters that I suspend my campaign for president today," Castro tweeted. "I'm so proud of everything we've accomplished together. I'm going to keep fighting for an America where everyone counts—I hope you'll join me in that fight." A goodbye video accompanies the tweet.

Castro, 45, had struggled in the polls and with fundraising, but the New York Times notes that he nonetheless served as a "policy pacesetter on immigration and fighting poverty" in the campaign. His departure shrinks the race to 14 Democratic candidates, but his time on the national stage may not be over. The Times sees him as a potential VP pick for the eventual party nominee, especially anyone looking to court Latino voters. ("Mayor Pete" no longer has a day job.)