City-County Councillor Jose Evans bowed out of the Democratic race for Indianapolis mayor Friday afternoon, throwing his support behind attorney Melina Kennedy.

Evans follows Indianapolis businessman Brian Williams out of the campaign, leaving Kennedy and former City-County Council member Ron Gibson in the battle to take on Republican Mayor Greg Ballard.

Kennedy was a deputy mayor under Bart Peterson, whom Ballard upset in 2007. She reported this week that she has raised more than $1 million for the race, giving her the funds to mount a serious challenge against Ballard.

Evans also served in Peterson’s administration as director of minority and women business enterprises. He also spent five years as a pharmaceutical salesman for Novartis and Sepracor. He was elected to the City-County Council in 2007.

“Today, we have decided that the best thing for me to do is to continue to serve the people of District 1 as a City-County councillor,” Evans said in a statement e-mailed Friday afternoon to supporters. He added, “Melina Kennedy offers a chance to change the tone and direction of city government.”

In response, Kennedy issued a statement saying, “I appreciate Councillor Evans' support and look forward to working with him in the months ahead.  We are thrilled to receive his support and endorsement, which will add even greater momentum to our campaign.”