Tallian calls it quits in run for governor, leaving John Gregg as lone Democrat

Tallian's decision comes a little more than a week after State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz decided to end her campaign for governor. She will run for re-election to her current post instead.

Tallian entered the race in May as a decided underdog, but she vowed to put progressive issues — such as civil rights protections for LGBT residents, improving the environment and marijuana legalization — on the state's agenda. In late March, Pence and the Indiana General Assembly received national attention for passing the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which opponents said would potentially allow businesses to discriminate against the LGBT community.

"I am humbled by the welcome I received from all corners of the state over the last few months," Tallian said in a statement. "I will continue to build on my decade of experience as a state senator, fighting to ensure equal rights, well-paying jobs, and quality education for all Hoosiers. I want to extend my heartfelt thank you to all of my supporters for your belief in a more progressive Indiana."

Tallian said she is throwing her support behind Gregg's candidacy.

During a Monday afternoon phone conversation, Tallian said it was tough to build momentum for her campaign without the support of labor unions. Tallian made a pitch to the Indiana AFL-CIO several weeks ago, but on Monday they announced that they would be supporting Gregg.

"When you're a Democrat running for statewide office, you can't get anywhere without the help and money of labor unions and all of them decided to go with John," she said. "I don't have much choice."

Tallian said she expects to meet with Gregg soon to talk about some of the issues that she emphasized in her campaign.

"Karen Tallian has been, is and will continue to be a true champion for working Hoosiers – and I am proud to call her my friend," Gregg said in a statement. "I look forward to standing with her in the years ahead to improve our schools, rebuild our infrastructure and create an economy that works for all workers."

John Zody, chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party, lauded Tallian's dedication to progressive issues in the state.

"With her dedicated leadership, Hoosier families can have the confidence that she will continue her work to solve today's problems facing our state," Zody said in a statement. "There is no doubt her passion will continue as Democrats across the state will lead the charge to unite and improve the overall well-being of all Hoosier families and the state of Indiana.

When asked if there's anything to the chatter that Tallian might assume the Lieutenant Governor spot on the ticket, she was noncommittal.

"With all of the rumors that are abounding, everyone has a different one," she said.