Washington (CNN) Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson has laid off her campaign staff nationally, a former staffer confirmed to CNN Thursday.

Former New Hampshire Rep. Paul Hodes, who was one of Williamson's two paid staffers in New Hampshire, said he and the other staff were no longer with the campaign.

The layoffs, first reported by CNN affiliate WMUR , signal Williamson's unorthodox White House bid may be winding down as the author and spiritual adviser has failed to gain meaningful traction in the crowded Democratic primary after missing recent debates.

People familiar with the layoffs told WMUR that financial issues forced the staff cuts. Williamson at one point employed about 45 staffers at her campaign headquarters and in early voting states, the people told the news outlet.

Williamson acknowledged the layoffs in an email to supporters Thursday night, writing, "We've had a wonderful team, and I am deeply grateful for their energy and talents. But as of today, we cannot afford a traditional campaign staff."

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