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Updated at 2 p.m. with Dayton, Coleman comments.

announcing he wouldn't seek a fourth term

 as mayor of St. Paul, Chris Coleman has entered the 2018 race for governor.

The campaign announcement was done with much less fanfare than the one signaling the end of his mayoral career.

In a statement emailed to reporters Coleman said he is running because he believes the state is strongest when people work together and that Minnesota is the greatest state in the nation.

“From small towns to larger cities, we all want good paying jobs, a strong future for our children, a sustainable environment and safe communities for our families. Here in Minnesota, we understand this only comes from hard work, a commitment to fairness and a willingness to make bold decisions," Coleman said.

In making his announcement, Coleman described himself as someone with a proven record of getting things done in an executive role.

"I have 11 years in an executive position where I have had to make the tough decisions to balance out the interests of a lot of different aspects of the community. I have a proven track record of working on behalf of jobs and public safety and education," he said in an interview. "Of the folks that are talking about it, I am the only one that has had that unique perspective of actually having to guide a city of almost 300,000 people."

Coleman said he will compete for the DFL Party's endorsement, but he stopped short of saying he'd drop out of the race if someone else prevails at the party convention.

"I appreciate the importance of the DFL endorsement and the folks there, but we're going to have that conversation over the next two years and I'm going to win that endorsement and that's all we're focusing on right now," he said.

He filed the paperwork allowing him to raise money and start building out a campaign. The race is expected to be crowded in both parties because incumbent DFL Gov. Mark Dayton isn't running again, a point he drove home Tuesday.

"I am certain I am not running again. Want it in blood?" Dayton said to reporters. "I guarantee I am definitely not running again. There are no circumstances under which I would run again. We have got some great candidates. There will be a good successor."

Coleman is the second Democrat to announce for governor. State Rep. Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul 

"Chris and I worked on legislative issues impacting St. Paul over the years and I've appreciated his work highlighting the city's successes," Murphy said. "I welcome him to the race and look forward to discussions on how we can tackle the tough issues facing our state."

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Brian Bakst

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St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman is the latest Democrat to enter the 2018 race for Minnesota governor.

Chris Coleman announces run for governor

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