LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial primary just got a lot less crowded. Former Attorney General Mike Cox announced Friday that he’s ending his campaign, saying President Donald Trump’s June 22 endorsement of U.S. Rep. John James effectively put the nomination out of reach.

In a statement to supporters, Cox said internal polling after the endorsement showed James had pulled away from what had been a statistical tie. Calling it “the power of President Trump,” Cox said he could no longer see a realistic path to victory.

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Rather than drag out a campaign on political life support, Cox said he would instead back James and work to elect the Republican ticket in November.

Cox reflected on his years as a Marine, prosecutor and Michigan attorney general, saying public service brought him more satisfaction than anything he achieved in private practice. He thanked supporters and singled out his wife, Laura Cox, for standing by him throughout the campaign.

The withdrawal further consolidates the Republican field. After a primary season that steadily thinned the herd, the contest is now down to two candidates: Trump-endorsed John James and businessman Perry Johnson.

With less than three weeks until the Aug. 4 primary, the question is no longer who survives the crowded Republican field. The field is gone. Now it’s James versus Johnson.