Pennsylvania state Sen. Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny) has announced that he is withdrawing from the race for Pittsburgh mayor.
Ferlo's decision comes three days after he filed his nominating petitions to get on the May 21 Democratic primary.
In a statement released Friday afternoon, Ferlo thanked supporters and acknowledged the challenge a mayoral run presented.
"The unexpected announcement of Mayor Ravenstahl created a very short time table for an ambitious run and considering that my history of public service has always been based on grassroots fundraising and mobilization of people power, this would be a difficult task in just a few short weeks," the release stated. "Others have been running for Mayor for the last several years."
Ferlo's decision leaves six Democrats on the ballot: City Council President Darlene Harris, City Controller Michael Lamb, City Councilman Bill Peduto, bus monitor A.J. Richardson, former Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner and state Representative Jake Wheatley.
Ferlo did not immediately endorse one of the remaining candidates but said before the primary he would work for "the candidate who possesses the competency, commitment and compassion I believe I would have brought to the Mayor’s office and, more importantly, is needed to keep building a growing, sustainable and vibrant Pittsburgh."
