Washington, April 8 (RHC)-- U.S. presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders, running an uphill battle against Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination, has dropped out of the race.

This is Sanders' second failed attempt to grab the Democratic party’s nomination after he fell short of defeating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016 primaries.  

"The path toward victory is virtually impossible," Sanders said in a livestreamed speech to supporters from his hometown of Burlington, Vermont, on Wednesday.  "I have concluded that this battle for the Democratic nomination will not be successful.  And so today, I am announcing the suspension of my campaign," the 78-year-old U.S. senator said.

He added that he understands some supporters who want him to fight on through the convention, but he could not "in good conscious continue to mount a campaign that cannot win and would interfere with the important work required of all of us in this difficult hour" as the COVID-19 outbreak grips the nation.

Bernie Sanders pledged to have significant influence over the party platform this summer, as he did during the 2016 convention. He pointed to policies like a $15 minimum wage, which has been picked up in some states and cities since he first began campaigning for it at the presidential level five years ago, as evidence that his progressive platform is winning.

Sanders’ exit comes after a series of losses to Joe Biden, beginning in South Carolina in late February and continuing with losses in crucial states like Michigan and Florida last month.  Meanwhile, as the first reaction to Sanders’ departure, Biden urged Sanders’ supporters to join his campaign.

"I see you, I hear you, and I understand the urgency of what it is we have to get done in this country," Biden said in a statement on Wednesday. "I hope you will join us.  You are more than welcome.  You're needed."