ST. PAUL, Minn. — State Sen. Dave Thompson says he's giving up his leadership post in the Minnesota Senate because of his candidacy for governor.
Thompson resigned as assistant minority leader in a Wednesday letter to top Republican senators. In it, Thompson says it would be unwise to continue in the role during his campaign.
Thompson is not resigning his Senate seat. He is one year into a four-year term representing a Lakeville-area district. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2010.
Thompson entered the 2014 race for governor last week and is one of several Republicans seeking the nomination to run against Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.
Senate Minority Leader David Hann is among those considering a bid for governor and says he would announce his intentions soon.
