CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Former state Sen. Richard Ojeda announced Friday he is suspending his presidential campaign, less than two weeks after he resigned from the West Virginia Legislature.
Ojeda, who launched his bid for the Democratic nomination last November, said in a Facebook post while his campaign received a positive reception, there was not enough support to compete with other candidates.
“The indications were very positive from an overwhelming response to our videos, to thousands of volunteers, and a level of grassroots fundraising support that grew every day,” he said. “However, the last thing I want to do is accept money from people who are struggling for a campaign that does not have the ability to compete.”
Ojeda began his run for president in November on the heels of losing by 13 points to now-Rep. Carol Miller in the contest for the U.S. House of Representatives’ 3rd Congressional District. After taking office in 2017, he garnered attention after pushing the state’s medical cannabis bill and being one of the leaders of the 2018 education work stoppage.
Ojeda said he will announce his future plans “very soon.”
“I may not have the money to make the media pay attention but I will continue raising my voice and highlighting the issues the working class, the sick and the elderly face in this nation,” he said.
The former state lawmaker resigned from the state Senate, saying in a Jan. 14 letter he was unable to accomplish his goals while serving.
Paul Hardesty, a lobbyist who represented Gov. Jim Justice’s companies, now serves in the seat; Hardesty closed his lobbying business after being named to the office.