Democrat Mikal Watts, a wealthy trial lawyer and a candidate against Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), has pulled out of the race today. National Democrats had hoped that Watts would tap into his large personal finances to make a credible run against Cornyn, who has lackluster approval ratings in an otherwise deeply red state.

Watts' decision effectively cedes the nomination to state Rep. Rick Noriega (D), a Lt. Colonel in the Texas National Guard.

(Via Burnt Orange Report.)