Mary Pawlenty won’t run for Second District seat

Minnesota’s Second Congressional District

Former Minnesota first lady and judge Mary Pawlenty won’t run for Congress, she announced Tuesday afternoon — the latest potential Republican candidate to pass on the open Second District congressional seat.

“I am choosing to remain a mediator, a professional who facilitates conflict resolution,” Pawlenty said in a statement. “Each of us can and should serve our communities in the best way we know how, and at this phase of my life my preference is to stay focused on helping people find workable and agreeable solutions to their differences.”

Pawlenty, the wife of former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, was a judge in Minnesota’s First Judicial District from 1994 to 2007. She currently works with Eden Prairie-based Gilbert Mediation.

Incumbent Republican Rep. John Kline announced earlier this month that he would not seek an additional term in Congress, setting up an open seat in one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country.

The number of potential Republican candidates continues to shrink. In addition to Pawlenty, former U.S. Senate candidate Mike McFadden took himself out of the running on Monday night. Also on Tuesday, state Sen. Eric Pratt, R-Prior Lake, passed on the congressional run.

“It’s just not the right time for me,” said Pratt, who will instead seek another term in the state senate. “Right now, I’ve got two children in college. I’m happy in my career right now and I’m not ready to leave that.”

Democrats Angie Craig and Mary Lawrence are already running for the seat, as is Republican David Gerson. On Tuesday, state Rep. Joe Atkins said he’ll announce whether he’ll run “in the next couple of weeks,” while state Rep. Rick Hansen said he’ll announce his decision at a local Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party event on Sunday.

Here’s the Pioneer Press’ updated record of who’s running, not running and considering running for the Second District: