John Hanger has withdrawn as a Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania Governor. The former Secretary of the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection made the decision official Thursday morning.
“At its outset, in November 2012, this campaign had three goals. First, propose bold, transformational policies to strengthen education, create good-paying jobs, protect our environment, produce clean energy, and bring forth a new birth of freedom for all Pennsylvanians. Our second and third goals were to win the Democratic Primary and end the long nightmare of the Corbett administration in November,” said Hanger as he announced his withdrawal at an event in Harrisburg.
Hanger said he did well in moving the public debate on topics included in his first set of goals but felt the possibility of winning the primary had, “simply slipped beyond our reach.”
The withdrawal leaves five Democratic candidates in the race with businessman and political newcomer Tom Wolf holding a lead in recent polls. Also still in the race are PA Treasurer Robert McCord, Philadelphia Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, Former Auditor General Jack Wagner, and Former PA DEP Secretary Katie McGinty.
Hanger praised his now former opponents saying they are “conducting their campaigns well and honorably, never losing focus on the ultimate goal. It was a privilege to compete with them, and I count them all as friends.”
