San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom dropped out of the race to be California's next governor Friday according to his main Web site.

In his statement, Newsom said that he found it impossible to commit the time required for this race with a young family and the responsibilities at City Hall.

"I will continue to fight for change and the causes and issues for which I care deeply -- universal health care, a cleaner environment, and a green economy for our families, better education for our children, and, of course, equal rights under the law for all citizens," Newsom said.

With Newsom out of the race, Attorney General Jerry Brown is the only Democrat left. Republicans Meg Whitman, former CEO of eBay; Steve Poizner, California's insurance commissioner; and Tom Campbell, former congressman, are also still in the race.

The 2010 California gubernatorial election will be held on Nov. 2 of that year.