Connie Pillich ends gubernatorial bid; endorses Cordray. Was the lone female Democrat in the race

In the so-called "year of the woman," the sole female in the Democratic race for governor bowed out Wednesday to endorse former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Richard Cordray.

Former state Rep. Connie Pillich, of Montgomery, was recently endorsed by the pro-abortion access, female-centered political action committee, Emily's List.

"It's time to break up the old boys club and failed status quo that have left working people behind," Pillich tweeted after the endorsement.

But it wasn't enough to mount a competitive campaign.

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Pillich, who chose Marion Mayor Scott Schertzer as her running mate, had nearly $912,000 in the bank for her campaign. But Cordray raised more than $2 million in just a few months.

On Wednesday, Pillich endorsed Cordray, saying that Democrats needed to come together.

Pillich was the sole woman remaining on the Democratic side of the gubernatorial race. Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley dropped out and endorsed Cordray. Former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton joined Cordray's ticket as his running mate.

“I do feel very strongly that we put women in positions of leadership and influence, and you know what, you’ve got two women right here in pretty strong positions of leadership and influence,” Pillich said, referring to herself and Cordray’s running mate, Sutton.

“There is still a woman on this ticket,” Sutton said. “This really isn’t about the traditional way that we have looked at the gubernatorial race in the past. This is about bringing strong people together.”

Cordray also took a shot at Ohio Republicans for endorsing a slate of white, male candidates for statewide candidates. "I think that speaks for itself," he said.

Pillich, a U.S. Air Force veteran, previously served as a state representative for the northern suburbs of Cincinnati. She ran unsuccessfully for Ohio treasurer against Republican Josh Mandel in 2014.

The remaining Democratic candidates for governor are Cordray, former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O'Neill, state Sen. Joe Schiavoni, Cleveland doctor Jon Heavey, Larry Ealy of Dayton -- who ran against former Cuyahoga County executive Ed FitzGerald in 2014 -- and Paul E. Ray of Alliance. The primary is May 8.