Washington Gov. Jay Inslee Jay Robert InsleeBarr asked prosecutors to explore charging Seattle mayor over protest zone: report Bottom line Oregon senator says Trump's blame on 'forest management' for wildfires is 'just a big and devastating lie' MORE (D) announced Thursday he will seek a third term as governor following his decision to end his 2020 presidential bid.

"I want to continue to stand with you in opposing Donald Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE and rejecting his hurtful and divisive agenda, while strengthening and enhancing Washington state's role as a progressive beacon for the nation," Inslee said in a statement.

"Which is why I'm announcing today my intention to run for a third term as Washington's governor," he continued. "I'm excited to do so -- because our great success as a state these last few years gives me confidence that we can continue to lead the nation in so many ways."

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Inslee, who launched his long-shot presidential campaign in March, focused his White House bid on the issue of combating climate change. But he struggled to garner support in the crowded field of candidates and dropped out before the next round of debates in September.

The Washington governor announced late Wednesday that he would be ending his White House bid, telling MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Rachel Anne MaddowGOP lawmakers distance themselves from Trump comments on transfer of power Schiff urges Trump administration members to resign: 'You cannot maintain your silence' Michael Cohen: Trump hates Obama because he's everything he 'wants to be' MORE that it had "become clear" that he did not have a path to the nomination.

Inslee is the third Democratic presidential primary candidate to drop out of the race, following Rep. Eric Swalwell Eric Michael SwalwellHouse to vote on resolution affirming peaceful transition of power Swalwell calls for creation of presidential crimes commission to investigate Trump when he leaves office 'This already exists': Democrats seize on potential Trump executive order on preexisting conditions MORE (D-Calif.) and former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper John HickenlooperThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' Cook Political Report shifts Colorado Senate race toward Democrat Willie Nelson playing at virtual fundraiser for Hickenlooper MORE.

Hickenlooper announced on Thursday that he would run for Colorado’s Senate seat, challenging Sen. Cory Gardner Cory Scott GardnerBreaking the Chinese space addiction Trump dumbfounds GOP with latest unforced error Billionaire who donated to Trump in 2016 donates to Biden MORE (R-Colo.), while Swalwell will also run for reelection for his House seat.

Three Washington State Democrats – Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and King County Executive Dow Constantine – previously said they would be interested in running for governor if Inslee did not seek reelection.

Meanwhile, three Republicans have entered the state’s GOP primary, including state Sen. Phil Fortunato (R), law enforcement officer Loren Culp and Anton Sakharov.

A Republican has not won a gubernatorial race in Washington in over 30 years.

Governors in Washington are not subject to term limits, but most have usually served no more than two terms with the exception of Republican Gov. Dan Evans, who served three terms ending in 1977.