Tim Burns, a GOP candidate for U.S. Senate from Washington County, announced today that he is dropping out of the race.

One of Burns’ opponents, Chester County entrepreneur Steve Welch, received the endorsement Saturday from the Pennsylvania Republican State Committee.

That’s what prompted Burns to drop out.

“When I began this process I put a premium on getting the endorsement of the Republican Party. … Those leaders spoke on Saturday, and while it may not have been the outcome I hoped for, I have always known it would be difficult to carry on without their support,” he said in a statement.

Burns campaigned in Erie in December, while Welch did the same in October.

The winner of the April 24 primary likely will square off against Democratic incumbent Sen. Bob Casey.

– John Guerriero