State Rep. Tyrone Yates has bowed out of the Democratic Senate primary, leaving Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner to duke it out for the nomination in the race to succeed retiring Sen. George Voinovich (R).

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Yates said his duties at the state Capitol precluded a statewide bid. Recent public polls on the race showed him with minimal support, especially compared to Fisher and Brunner in the Democratic primary.

“After much consideration, and in light of the serious work of the legislature in this budget crisis, I have decided to discontinue my exploratory committee and not pursue a seat for the United States Senate at this time,— Yates said in a statement to the Enquirer.

Former Rep. Rob Portman (R) is the likely Republican nominee in the open-seat race.