Joe Sestak and Steve Bullock End Presidential Bids

(L) Democratic presidential candidate and former Pennsylvania congressman Joe Sestak speaks at a LGBTQ presidential forum at Coe College’s Sinclair Auditorium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Sept. 20, 2019. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) (R) Democratic presidential hopeful Montana Gov. Steve Bullock speaks at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, on Aug. 8, 2019. (Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images)

Former U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Penn.) and Montana Gov. Steve Bullock ended their bids for the Democratic presidential nomination.

In a statement on Dec. 1, Sestak, 67, told supporters that it was an “honor” to run for president of the United States, calling it a “priceless opportunity.”

“It has been an endeavor filled with immeasurable wisdom, passions, humor, and insights to, and from, the people of America,” he said.

“It’s a marvelous fabric we Americans have woven together throughout the centuries. I know there is a tear in that fabric right now, but it can be repaired by someone who can lead, and therefore unite, all Americans.”

“A moral compass for our great ship of state is the beacon most needed today. And it is for the Captain of State who offers it that all Americans will provide the fair winds and following seas to advance us,” Sestak, a retired U.S. Navy officer, added. “That is necessary for us both at home and abroad, to convene the world to advance our policies and commitment to democratic values for our collective good.”

Bullock, 53, announced on Dec. 2 he was ending his campaign.

“I entered this race as a voice to win back the places we lost, bridge divides, and rid our system of the corrupting influence of dark money. While the concerns that propelled me to enter in the first place have not changed, I leave this race filled with gratitude and optimism, inspired and energized by the good people I’ve had the privilege of meeting over the course of the campaign,” he said in a statement.

“I leaned on supporters across our country that have been by my side throughout my decade-long journey in public service, while earning the support of tens of thousands of people who knew little about me before I kicked off this campaign. So many of you contributed your time, energy, and resources. I walked out of every event and fundraiser more inspired and energized than when I entered. I am in awe of how selfless and generous you have been to me and to our effort,” he added.

Bullock is term-limited as governor and will leave office in Jan. 2021.

A spokeswoman told CNN that he will not run for the U.S. Senate seat that’s up for election in 2020 in Montana.