State Sen. Bob Dixon no longer is running for Missouri governor in 2016. The Republican from Springfield on Monday said he’s dropping out of the race. Dixon thanked his wife and supporters but did not give a reason for dropping out of the race.

Dixon announced his run in July, by citing — among other things — his “23 years as a strong supporter of traditional marriage.”

What he didn’t mention was that he lived his life as a gay man for five years before having a “religious experience” in October, 1988.

Dixon had previously discussed his earlier sexual orientation at a Springfield city council meeting in 1991 without describing the specifics of the religious experience that set him off on a different path. Since that time he has married a woman, had three kids and served as a Missouri lawmaker for 15 years.

Dixon’s departure narrows down the expected Republican primary to four candidates: suburban St. Louis businessman John Brunner, former Navy SEAL officer Eric Greitens, former House Speaker Catherine Hanaway and Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.

Only Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster has said he plans to run for the state’s top executive office. Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon is barred from seeking re-election because of term limits.

(Staff and wire reports)