The Service Employees International Union Minnesota State Council, a politically active union with 30,000 Minnesota members, announced Monday that the union will not give any candidate a nod before the DFL convention.

SEIU, like the teacher's union EducationMinnesota, has held off on an endorsement all year but, unlike the teacher's union, hadn't previously made clear it would not announce a convention pick before Monday.

The DFL convention will start on April 23. On April 24, delegates are slated to pick among more than half a dozen candidates to give the nod to one. Five candidates have pledged to drop out if they do not get endorsed.

Here's the full release from SEIU:

The Service Employees International Union Minnesota State Council announced today it will not endorse a gubernatorial candidate before this weekend's Democratic –Farmer–Labor Party state convention. Individual SEIU members and leaders, however, may advocate on behalf of a gubernatorial candidate that they support. The State Council will reconsider endorsing a candidate after the DFL convention and before the August primary election.

"We are firmly committed to electing a pro-working family governor in November and we are fortunate to have a large group of well-qualified candidates, any of whom will be a better governor than Marty Seifert or Tom Emmer," said Julie Schnell, president of SEIU Minnesota State Council and president of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota. "The DFL candidates' commitment to working families has inspired many of our members to become involved in the political process, and we appreciate the time that they have spent getting know our members. "

Javier Morillo, vice president of SEIU Minnesota State Council and president of SEIU Local 26, added: "We have members who are delegates to the state convention, many who are new to the DFL endorsement process. Although we have chosen not to endorse collectively at this time, members continue to be engaged to build political power."

SEIU members have met with each of the candidates seeking the DFL Party endorsement. Over the past several months, candidates spent time getting to know SEIU members and the issues important to them and all working families in various settings over the past several months: small group meetings, forums, and one-on-one conversations.

"This process has been, and will continue to be, member-driven. We will make the right decision at the right time, then work night and day to educate our members, friends and neighbors about why that candidate is the best choice for Minnesota's future, "said Carol Nieters, State Council secretary-treasurer and executive director of SEIU Local 284.

SEIU unites 30,000 healthcare workers, public school employees, and property service workers across Minnesota, and as the state's fourth largest union is a powerful voice for Minnesota's working families. The State Council coordinates organizing, political, and legislative campaigns between SEIU's four local unions in Minnesota.