Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, waves as he walks on stage during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. | AP Photo O'Malley bows out of DNC race

Former Maryland governor and presidential candidate Martin O'Malley removed his name from the running for the Democratic National Committee chairmanship on Tuesday in an email to his supporters.

"While I'm grateful to the supportive friends who have urged me to consider running for DNC Chair, I will not be seeking our Party's Chairmanship," he wrote. "The DNC needs a Chair who can do the job fully and with total impartiality. The national interest must come first."


O'Malley — who was seen as a potential contender for the role due to his lack of alignment with either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders in the presidential primary, as well as his history as a strong fundraiser as a past Democratic Governors Association chairman — leaves the race with three declared candidates.

Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison remains the favorite due to his wide array of backers, but each of his challengers has pledged to do the job full time. Former chair and Vermont governor Howard Dean is running, as is South Carolina party chairman Jaime Harrison.

Others, including New Hampshire chair Raymond Buckley, NARAL president Ilyse Hogue, and Labor Secretary Tom Perez, are still mulling bids of their own. Voting is not expected until February.