Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will step down in March as CEO of a Washington-based financial services association, a sign he may be moving ahead on a political comeback in Minnesota.

Pawlenty is weighing a campaign for his old job and next week will convene a group of Republican donors and political movers this month as he seeks advice about entering a governor's race without a clear favorite.

Pawlenty signals interest in governor's race, calls donor meeting

On Tuesday, the Financial Services Roundtable, a trade group and lobbying arm for the banking and insurance industries that Pawlenty's run the past five years, announced without explanation that Pawlenty was leaving.

"Tim will be really missed but we are thankful for his effective and collegial leadership on behalf of the financial services industry," FSR chair and Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said in a statement.

Pawlenty sent emails recently to a select group, inviting them for a morning gathering on Feb. 12 at an undisclosed Minneapolis location with the agenda as "important meeting regarding Minnesota's future." 

2018 Minnesota governor's race

Pawlenty was out door knocking over the weekend for a Republican candidate in a Minnesota Senate special before taking in the Super Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Pawlenty, who served from 2003 to 2011, has also been calling Republicans he's had a prior relationship with to discuss the race. 

The ex-governor has been coy about his political plans. He has 

 but won't close the door to a return to public life. 

 for the U.S. Senate seat that Sen. Al Franken gave up and Democrat Tina Smith now holds.

DFL sprints to cash advantage in MN governor's race

Since leaving office, Pawlenty ran unsuccessfully for president and took over the Financial Services Roundtable.

Pawlenty, 57, is the last Republican to win a statewide race in Minnesota. He narrowly earned a second term in 2006 in a three-way contest.

Politics and Government News

NewsPartners

MPR News Staff

Author

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will step down in March as CEO of a Washington-based financial services association. He's actively considering a political comeback in Minnesota.

Pawlenty quits DC lobbying job as he mulls governor's race

Go Deeper.

Like this?