Lincoln Chafee Withdraws from Presidential Race

October 23, 2015

Former Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee withdrew from the 2016 presidential race today. He made the announcement during a speech at the DNC Women's Leadership Forum. 

Chafee was polling poorly and was widely panned for his performance in last week's Democratic debate.

This is the third departure from the Democratic 2016 race this week. Former Virginia Senator Jim Webb also withdrew, noting he could return as an independent candidate. Vice President Joe Biden opted not to run.  

This leaves 4 declared candidates:

• Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 
• Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders
• Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley
• Harvard Law professor Larry Lessig

Clinton is well ahead nationally, averaging close to 50% in recent polls. After a drop-off, she has seen her lead increase again over Sanders, who is averaging about 25%. These numbers include the influence of Biden, so they will likely increase for both candidates in the weeks ahead. Both O'Malley and Lessig are polling at less than 1%.