State Sen. Carey Baker has decided to pull out of the race against Adam Putnam for the Republican nomination for agriculture commissioner:

Friends,

As some of my closest and most dedicated supporters, you deserve to hear this message from me first. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the help you have given me in my campaign for the Commissioner of Agriculture seat. You’ve answered the calls, reached out to friends and helped make a difference in this race.

As with any campaign, you have to achieve certain objectives to set yourself up for victory. I had to prepare myself to wage a full-scale campaign that would give Floridians a chance to see what I had to offer them if elected Commissioner of Agriculture. This would not be an easy task in a big state like ours, but nothing ever worth pursuing is easy.

Unfortunately, I was unable to meet those goals. And so I was faced with a difficult decision, but ultimately a necessary one. With so many other challenges to address in our state, particularly in the Legislature, it would be wrong of me to continue a campaign when I have not met the goals I need to win. It’s time for me to choose where I am most prepared to help the people of Florida.
Today, I will be announcing my withdrawal from the Commissioner of Agriculture race. As Chairman of the General Government Appropriations Committee in the Florida Senate, I can be a voice for sound fiscal policies that will help bring jobs back to Florida and reduce the burden of wasteful government spending on small businesses and families. While I withdraw my candidacy with a heavy heart, I know that as a full-time Senator, I can continue to make a difference and make you proud.

Once again, thank you for your trust and support in this campaign. You’ve stood by me and have never let me down, and your efforts have helped move this campaign and bring a number of important issues to the debate over Florida’s future. I’m proud to have earned your friendship, and I hope to keep that trust as I finish out my term in the Senate.