Democrat Josh Owens announced late Wednesday he is withdrawing from the Democratic primary for governor, leaving one candidate in what once was a crowded field.

Owens, the CEO of SupplyKick, a company that develops digital strategies for retailers, said in a news release he wanted to avoid a divisive primary. He endorsed Woody Myers, a millionaire venture capitalist and former Indiana health commissioner who once made a name for himself defending AIDS victim Ryan White.

"During this primary," Owens said in a prepared statement, "I've had many discussions with Dr. Woody Myers about the future of Indiana and the desperate need for new leadership in the Governor's office. While we have some differences, I'm encouraged that like me, he's not a career politician."

With Friday's deadline looming to register for the primary, the move appears to set up a November election battle between Myers and Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb.

"I’m humbled and honored by his decision to withdraw from the race so that we can all focus on bringing new leadership to the Governor’s office to create solutions to benefit every Hoosier this November," Myers said in a prepared statement. "I look forward to working with him to bring access to affordable health care, high-quality education and good-paying jobs to Hoosiers throughout Indiana."

Owens declined to take questions.

Owens' campaign told supporters in a letter that he made the decision after qualifying for the ballot and holding or attending more than 100 events. He indicated that the party needed to be united behind one candidate to have a competitive race in November.

The Democratic primary that once looked like it was going to be a crowded affair has narrowed to one candidate early. A month ago, state Sen. Eddie Melton ended his campaign for the Democratic primary, saying fundraising was an issue.

While they may be unified, Democrats have an uphill battle to unseat Holcomb. Republicans have held the office for 16 years and the governor has a sizable fundraising advantage.

"I know Woody Myers has spent a lot of time outside of Indiana the last 30 years," said Indiana GOP Chairman Kyle Hupfer, "so he doesn’t know that Hoosiers like what Republican leadership has meant to our state. Indiana is on a roll and Gov. Holcomb isn’t taking his foot off the gas."

Holcomb has raised more than $8 million and still has $7.25 million left to spend, according to January campaign filings. It's a record-setting amount for a gubernatorial candidate heading into an election year. He has spent about $770,000.

Myers raised $180,000. He borrowed a little more than $62,400 from himself. He has spent more than $178,000, leaving him only $1,886 left in the bank.

Owens reported raising almost $84,000. He has spent almost $68,000 and has about $16,000 left to spend. Owens contributed $22,500 to his own campaign, listing it as a donation rather than a loan.

Call IndyStar reporter Chris Sikich at 317-444-6036. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisSikich.