SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Former state Senate leader and San Diego politician Toni Atkins recently announced her decision to drop out of the California gubernatorial race.

Atkins made the announcement to step down on Monday in an emailed letter to supporters.

"I entered this race because I still believe in the promise of California -- and I've spent my life trying to fulfill that promise for more Californians," Atkins stated.

Atkins served on the San Diego City Council before going on to be state Assembly speaker and president pro tempore of the state Senate. She was the first LGBTQ+ person to serve in the top position in the California Senate. Atkins has been a longtime advocate for gay rights.

She officially joined the running for California governor in August, securing endorsements

See Full Page