Massachusetts: Khazei withdraws from Mass. US Senate race

Alan Khazei has withdrawn from the race for U.S. Senate, saying he wanted to avoid a “divisive” Democratic primary contest.

Khazei formally announced his decision Thursday at campaign headquarters in Boston surrounded by family and supporters.

He said an acrimonious Democratic primary would only help Republican Scott Brown win re-election.

A spokesman for Khazei had said Wednesday the dynamics of the race changed since Harvard Law School professor Elizabeth Warren entered and that Khazei no longer saw a path to victory.

Khazei said Warren had clearly “‘struck a chord” with voters, but stopped short of endorsing her.

Warren earlier Thursday picked up the endorsement of Newton mayor and one-time candidate Setti Warren. She said she was surprised at Khazei’s withdrawal.

Three other less-known Democrats remain in the race.