Former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bob Young is withdrawing his candidacy for Michigan's 2018 U.S. Senate race.
Young first announced his plans on WJR's Frank Beckmann show Wednesday morning, where he said he didn't see a pathway to raise the money needed to defeat incumbent Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
On social media, Young said he's had "a remarkable time in this race" and has been humbled by the support.
Young's exit from the race leaves Detroit businessman John James, Grosse Pointe businessman Sandy Pensler and Bob Carr as the Republican candidates currently campaigning for the seat.
In a statement, James called Young "a true trailblazer" and a champion of conservative values. Pensler said in a statement that he "will miss his wit, wisdom and bow ties on the campaign trail."
Lena Epstein, a former co-chair for President Donald Trump's Michigan campaign, initially entered the Senate race, but dropped out to pursue a campaign to replace retiring Rep. Dave Trott in the 11th Congressional District. U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, considered a run, but eventually decided to run for reelection in his district.
Michigan Republican Party Chair Ron Weiser thanked Young in a statement for his efforts and said he looks forward to Young being involved in the 2018 election cycle.
"He is a principled conservative, our Party is lucky to have him, and I look forward to working with him," Weiser said.
Young retired from the Michigan Supreme Court in April after 18 years on the bench. After his retirement, Young returned to private practice with the firm Dickinson Wright, where he first practiced after graduating from Harvard Law School starting in 1978.
He served on the Court of Appeals before moving to the Michigan Supreme Court. He was chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court from 2011 to 2017 and was last elected in 2010 to serve an eight-year term that would have ended in 2019.