Mary Pawlenty Announces Decision Not To Run For Congress

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Former Minnesota District Court Judge Mary Pawlenty has announced that she will not run for congress.

Pawlenty considered a run for the Second Congressional District seat, which was being vacated by U.S. Rep. John Kline, who announced he wouldn't seek re-election in 2016.

On Tuesday, Pawlenty released a statement.

"I deeply appreciate the words of encouragement I received from so many people whose opinions I respect, urging me to run for Congress in the Second District," she said. "However, I am choosing to remain a Mediator, a professional who facilitates conflict resolution. 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 works as a mediator at Gilbert Mediation, an Eden Prairie company.

She's also the wife of former Governor Tim Pawlenty and was the First Lady of Minnesota from 2003 until 2011.