Minnesota Republican Party deputy chairwoman Kelly Fenton is leaving her post to make a run for state House.

"I am proud that I served our party during a time of great challenges and was able to provide the leadership to successfully deal with a financial crisis and develop a framework which would enable our party to continue moving forward," Fenton said in a statement.

Fenton came aboard about two years ago as the party began to rebuild after racking up millions in previously undisclosed debt, a burden that caused former Party Chairman Tony Sutton to abruptly resign.

Fenton worked with former GOP chairman Pat Shortridge to begin digging out from the debt and restore confidence among donors and activists.

A Woodbury resident, Fenton is now vying for the House District 53B seat. State Rep. Andrea Kieffer, R-Woodbury, has decided not to seek a third term.

"Our party is gaining momentum every day and reinvigorating the American dream," Fenton said. "As I step down, I take pride in leaving the party in a better position than I found it and the part I played in restoring transparency and renewing trust."