PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh has dropped out of the race for U.S. Senate.
On Twitter, Arkoosh said the “stakes are too high to let anything stand in the way of a Democrat being elected,” so she is ending her campaign.
"It’s become clear to me that the best way I can ensure that happens is to suspend my campaign today to help ensure we flip the seat in November."
Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican, currently holds that seat and is not seeking re-election.
Arkoosh, chair of the Montgomery County Commissioners and a physician, made health care one of her main priorities in the race.
Arkoosh was the only woman running among Democrats. She leaves behind a crowded all-male Democratic field vying for the seat, including Lt. Gov. John Fetterman; U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, who represents the 17th District outside of Pittsburgh; and Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who serves the Philadelphia area.
The anesthesiologist trailed the pack in last weekend's endorsement vote at the Democratic State Committee and trailed Fetterman and Lamb in fundraising.
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She was however backed by EMILY's List, a well-funded political action committee that helps elect female candidates who support abortion rights.
“My name may not be on the ballot, but make no mistake, I will still be fighting every day to help win this election," Arkoosh said.
"There’s too much at stake. I said from the beginning we would build a campaign about Pennsylvania and for Pennsylvania, and I will keep fighting for you each and every day.”
The primary election for the race is May 17.
