Citing family obligations, Rep. Tara Mack, a Republican from Apple Valley, announced Saturday that she won't seek re-election after eight years in office.

Mack, 33, who chairs the Health and Human Services Committee, said her focus has been on health care, job growth and education. She's recently authored bills related to Medical Assistance coverage and questioned the unionization of child care.

"It has been an absolute honor to serve the community in which I was raised and I want to express my gratitude to everyone that has supported me for so many years," Mack said in a news release. She added that she wants to devote more time to her two children and husband.

She made no mention of an episode last summer in which a Dakota County park ranger ticketed her for creating a public nuisance when she was found in a parked car with Rep. Tim Kelly, R-Red Wing. Kelly, who is also married, announced in February that he wouldn't seek re-election.

Mack's House tenure will end when a new state representative is sworn into office in January.

Natalie Daher