As the race for the presidency tightens, two Democratic candidates have announced that they are dropping out of the race.

Andrew Yang, a tech entrepreneur who was regarded by many as a breakthrough candidate, announced his decision shortly after the polls closed for the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday, Feb. 11. 

“While there is great work left to be done — you know I am the math guy — it is clear tonight from the numbers that we are not going to win this race,” he said to his supporters. “I am not someone who wants to accept donations and support in a race that we will not win. And so tonight, I am announcing I am suspending my campaign for president.” 

To many, this came as a shock. Although Yang has never held a position in public office, the newcomer generated a strong following, coined the “Yang Gang”, that allowed him to outlast many sitting senators and lifelong politicians. 

“My goal when I first started running was to solve the problems that got Donald Trump elected,” he said. “In order to do that, I will support whoever is the Democratic nominee.” 

He also promised to continue to deliver the “Freedom Dividend”, his signature basic income policy that would give $1000 a month to every American over the age of 18. Despite it being one of the main reasons people were drawn to his campaign, the proposal never caught on among his fellow Democratic candidates. Yang expressed that he was open to running again in 2024. 

“The problems aren’t likely to go away and as long as the problems are there, I’d like to help solve them,” he said. “So certainly I’m very open to running again if that’s the best way to serve.”

Colorado senator Michael Bennet announced that he was ending his bid to the White House as well. 

“I thought it was quite possible today that we would fall short and I didn’t know that I would give that speech until about 15 minutes ago,” he said Tuesday night. 

Bennet joined the crowded Democratic field around May 2019, believing his experience would distinguish him from others in his party. His plans had been delayed when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April; following a successful surgery, he continued with his plans for presidency. However, as front-runners began to emerge, there seemed to be little place for Bennet. Despite being on stage for the first two Democratic debates, he failed to qualify for subsequent debates.

Along with announcing his dropout, Bennet also vowed to support the Democratic presidential nominee.

 “I am going to do absolutely everything I can do as one human being to make sure that Donald Trump is a one-term president,” he said. “I will support the nominee of my party no matter who it is to make sure that we defeat Donald Trump.”

With two nominees gone, the Democratic presidential race is down to eight candidates.

Photo courtesy of THEHILL.COM