A candidate for the Denver Public School’s at-large seat dropped out of the race on Friday, saying his campaign fell short of gaining the necessary financial resources and support to reach the finish line. 

In a news release, security consultant Paul Ballenger said he ended his campaign and now supports John Youngquist, who is also running for the at-large seat. 

“Running a campaign like this all the way to the finish line requires tremendous financial resources and support, and we simply fell a little short in this area,” he said in the release.

“Despite being a small, parent-driven grassroots campaign, we had an important impact in this election, and I am most proud that we helped make school safety the most critical campaign issue this year,” he added.

Ballenger said he will stay engaged. Running for the school board, he also said, has been “a true honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity and experience. As a business and military organizational leader, and as a DPS parent, I feel it is critical we have strong, collaborative, and pragmatic leaders on our board that represent all students across our district.”

Ballenger’s decision to drop out narrowed the field of board candidates to eight. They include at least three former teachers and a principal, a business owner and a long-time district volunteer.