The only Democrat running to replace Rep. Steve Watkins is throwing in the towel.

On Tuesday, Abbie Hodgson announced she would withdraw from the race for Kansas' 2nd District Congressional Seat, saying she would not be able to raise enough money to unseat the freshman Congressman.

"Unfortunately, in recent weeks it has become clear that there isn’t a viable path forward for my campaign for Congress," Hodgson said. "I am grateful for the experience and the support I received from so many people."

A one-time speechwriter for Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, the 37-year-old Hodgson had spent the past two years working in Washington, D.C., for Pew Charitable Trusts, before stepping down and moving back to Kansas to run for office.

"At a time when it is easy to feel cynical about politics, the stories I heard from voters during my travels throughout the 2nd Congressional District strengthened my belief in people," she said. "I met individuals committed to developing thriving small towns, improving economic prosperity for all Kansans, cultivating civil conversation on a national level, and addressing the issue of global climate change."

While Hodgson's move leaves Watkins without any Democratic challengers next year, he is still facing a potentially tough primary challenge from within his own party - one that didn't exist when Hodgson first announced she was running - with Kansas Treasurer Jake LaTurner giving up his own bid for the U.S. Senate to seek the GOP nomination for the House seat.