Kelly won’t run for his District 21A seat this fall

The chair of the House Transportation Policy and Finance Committee is putting the brakes on his legislative career.

Rep. Tim Kelly

Citing family and business reasons, Rep. Tim Kelly (R-Red Wing) announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to his House seat. He became a grandfather last year and his youngest child will graduate from high school in May.

“It has truly been an honor to represent the people of House District 21A for the past eight years," Kelly said in a statement. "I am choosing to make this announcement now because I believe it is important to give our next candidate a proper amount of time to get established and prepare a campaign.”

MORE Read Kelly's full statement

First elected in 2008, Kelly also currently serves on the House Health and Human Services Reform and Rules and Legislative Administration committees.

“It has always been, and will continue to be, a privilege to serve in the Minnesota House," Kelly said. “I would like to thank all of my constituents for their support over the past eight years.”

Kelly is the second House Republican this week to announce they won’t seek re-election. Rep. Mark Anderson (R-Lake Shore) made his announcement Monday. Four DFLers have announced they won’t return to the House in 2017: Rep. Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights), Rep. Carly Melin (DFL-Hibbing) and Rep. Kim Norton (DFL-Rochester) are not seeking re-election; Rep. Erik Simonson (DFL-Duluth) is seeking a Senate seat.