PORTLAND (AP) — One of the two main contenders for mayor of Portland may quit the race after losing a legal decision on public financing.

A state judge has ruled Sho Dozono ineligible for more than $160,000 in the city’s new public campaign finance system.

A lobbyist paid for a $27,000 poll last year before Dozono, owner of a travel agency, announced his candidacy publicly. But the state administrative judge said the expenditure effectively made Dozono a candidate.

The sum was well above a limit of $12,000 on contributions candidates can get and still get money through the city. The judge’s ruling reversed a decision by the city auditor.

The other prominent mayoral candidate, City Commissioner Sam Adams, challenged the city auditor’s decision but said he hopes Dozono stays in the race for a robust debate.

“You know, a $27,000 contribution is like two weeks of saturation radio vibe,” Adams said. “And so, we just wanted to be treated fairly.”

Previously, Dozono said he was committed to being a publicly financed candidate.

He said he would meet with his family, lawyers and advisers to discuss whether he will stay in the race.

“It’s about time frame,” he said. “If I can run a viable race with limited time and only about 30 days before the ballots go out. I do think it’s unfortunate for the citizens of Portland that they may not have a choice, a viable choice in this matter.”

There are 13 candidates in the race, but none so prominent or considered likely to make a strong run as Adams and Dozono, who was endorsed by incumbent Mayor Tom Potter.

Dozono has emphasized his background in business and said he wants to give City Hall a new direction.

Adams said he wants to shake up the office of mayor and get Portland moving forward again.