INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary, has dropped out of the race for governor.

In a statement, Melton said he decided to devote his time to his work as a state senator, instead of campaigning for governor.

“But, unfortunately politics today require way too much of a candidate’s time being spent on the phone chasing dollars,” Melton said. “Fixing our systems of elections will take the work of all of us.”

Melton entered the race in early October and was the third Democratic candidate to join. The other two Democratic candidates, former Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Woody Myers and 34-year-old tech executive Josh Owens, are still in the race.

Read Melton’s full statement below: