MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is dropping out of the race for governor, his campaign announced Wednesday.

Crowley's exit from the race leaves a crowded Democratic field with just five remaining candidates: State Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison), Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, State Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) and former Dept. of Administration secretary Joel Brennan.

Crowley was backed by several influential figures in Milwaukee local government, but his campaign never picked up much steam.

Crowley said in the release he made his decision to drop out because it became clear he won't be the Democratic nominee this fall.

In his parting message, Crowley laid out a list of issues he believes the party's nominee must emphasize in the fall campaign.

“Our next governor needs to be focused on the basics," Crowley said. "Making this state affordable, making sure care shows up for families before a crisis instead of after, and building real opportunity from the classroom to a good-paying job."

Polling to date has shown Hong, Barnes and Rodriguez have separated themselves as the frontrunners one month out from the August 11 primary election.

Congressman Tom Tiffany is the presumptive Republican nominee for governor. 

The Marquette Law School Poll will release a new survey on the governor's race July 22, and it will include hypothetical head-to-head matchups between Tiffany and different Democratic frontrunners.