Gavin Newsom drops out of California governor's race

Although Newsom had been essentially running for more than a year, his campaign never gained much traction. Even in his hometown, which Newsom touted as a model of cutting-edge policies, his candidacy was derided among civic insiders.

Perhaps most telling was the absence of support from the major San Francisco donors who helped underwrite his successful campaigns in the city. He also drew relatively few endorsements from fellow elected officials.

Newsom had repeatedly told those close to him that he did not want to embarrass himself in the governor’s race.

A Field Poll released earlier this month showed Newsom far behind Brown.