This archive report was first published on 2 January 2020.
On December 1, 2019, Senator Kamala Harris of California made a surprise exit from the presidential race, citing unfair media treatment and a flawed formula for 'electability' that pushed aside women and candidates of color.
Julian Castro, a fellow Democratic candidate, was quick to speak out in support of Harris, saying that 'Kamala was treated very poorly' and had been 'held to an unfair standard' by the media.
Castro's comments were echoed in a tweet, where he stated, 'The media's flawed formula for “electability” has pushed aside women and candidates of color. Our party's diversity is our strength.'
Castro's concerns about the field's diminishing diversity were amplified again in the days leading up to the December debate, when nine Democratic candidates, including Castro, signed a letter to the D.N.C. asking officials to lower the thresholds to qualify for the party's January and February events.
Despite his efforts, Castro struggled to gain traction in the polls, rarely exceeding 2 percent support in national or early-voting state surveys. He participated in the first four primary debates but did not make the cut for those that followed.
On January 2, 2020, Castro announced that he would end his presidential campaign, citing his inability to raise more money and gain the polling boost he needed.
