In the so-called "year of the woman," the sole female in the Democratic race for governor will bow out to endorse former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Richard Cordray.
Former state Rep. Connie Pillich, of Montgomery, was recently endorsed by the pro-abortion access, female-centered political action committee, Emily's List.
"It's time to break up the old boys club and failed status quo that have left working people behind," Pillich tweeted after the endorsement.
But it wasn't enough to mount a competitive campaign.
Pillich, who chose Marion Mayor Scott Schertzer as her running mate, had nearly $912,000 in the bank for her campaign. But Cordray raised more than $2 million in just a few months.
Pillich is expected to endorse Cordray in Columbus Wednesday.
Pillich was the sole woman remaining on the Democratic side of the gubernatorial race. Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley dropped out and endorsed Cordray. Former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton joined Cordray's ticket as his running mate.
Pillich, a U.S. Air Force veteran, previously served as a state representative for the northern suburbs of Cincinnati. She ran unsuccessfully for Ohio treasurer against Republican Josh Mandel in 2014.
The remaining Democratic candidates for governor are Cordray, former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O'Neill, state Sen. Joe Schiavoni, Cleveland doctor Jon Heavey, Larry Ealy of Dayton -- who ran against former Cuyahoga County executive Ed FitzGerald in 2014 -- and Paul E. Ray of Alliance. The primary is May 8.
