Newsom’s Out Quits Calif. Governor Race

Despite high hopes among gay rights activists, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom ended his campaign for governor of California today after struggling in the polls and with efforts to raise campaign funds.

Newsom (pictured at San Francisco's gay pride parade in 2008 with wife Jennifer Siebel) announced he'd be running for governor in 2010 early -- he began campaigning last year. But his efforts never really caught on with Californians outside the Bay Area, and despite a major endorsement last month from former President Bill Clinton, quickly ran out of steam.

"It is with great regret I announce today that I am withdrawing from the race for governor of California," Newsom said in a statement, according to the Los Angeles Times. "With a young family and responsibilities at City Hall, I have found it impossible to commit the time required to complete this effort the way it needs to -- and should be -- done. This is not an easy decision. But it is one made with the best intentions for my wife, my daughter, the residents of the city and county of San Francisco, and California Democrats."

Newsom, an ally for LGBT rights, became nationally known for mandating the city of San Francisco give marriage licenses to its gay and lesbian residents shortly after assuming office in 2004. His was one of the actions that lead to the California supreme court repealing a ban on gay marriages performed in the state in 2008, which was eventually overturned by Proposition 8.

That leaves Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown with little competition in the Democratic primary. Though he has yet to officially announce his candidacy, he is widely expected to run.