Newsom drops out of California governor's race

If everything continues to go well for Jerry Brown, California could have a very familiar face as its next governor.

Brown now has a clear path to the Democratic nomination, at least. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, his closest competitor for it, announced Friday afternoon that he's dropping out of the race.

"With a young family and responsibilities at City Hall, I have found it impossible to commit the time required to complete this effort the way it needs to — and should be — done. This is not an easy decision. But it is one made with the best intentions for my wife, my daughter, the residents of the city and county of San Francisco, and California Democrats," Newsom said in a statement.

The mayor's real reason for getting out of the race may be even more straightforward: It appeared he couldn't win.