Sen. John Edwards, a presidential candidate, dropped out of the race on Wednesday afternoon, leaving Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Mike Gravel as the only democratic hopefuls.

Edwards was third overall among democrats with 62 delegates, behind Obama who has 158 delegates and Clinton with 232 delegates.

According to CNN.com, Edwards called his opponents Tuesday night and told him that he was dropping out of the presidential race and asked them to continue to fight against poverty.

"I began my presidential campaign here...it is appropiate that I come here today. It is time for me to step aside so that history can blaze its path."

In reference to his competitors and his fight against poverty, Edwards said, "this is the cause of my life, and I now have their committment to this cause."

In response to Edwards, Clinton said, "John Edwards ended his campaign today in the same way he started it—by standing with the people who are too often left behind and nearly always left out of our national debate."

Obama continued Clinton's sentiments by saying "I think he’s run a great campaign."

Edwards did not immediately endorse Clinton or Obama, though there is nearly a week left before Super Tuesday.