Dave Thompson will not seek re-election to the Minnesota Senate

State Senator Dave Thompson, R-Lakeville, will not seek re-election to the Minnesota Senate, according to sources with knowledge.

Thompson did not dispute the news that he would not seek re-election when reached last evening, but added he will be releasing a statement later today.

Thompson was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2010 and he quickly became one of the most high-profile members of the Minnesota Legislature. Thompson unsuccessfully sought the Republican Party of Minnesota's endorsement for governor in 2014.

After Congressman John Kline announced last September that he would not run for re-election this year to Congress in Minnesota's Second Congressional District, Thompson was widely-considered the front-runner for the Republican endorsement for Congress.

But Thompson surprised many when he later decided against a run for Congress. Thompson is an attorney and will be moving to North Carolina for his job with Renters Warehouse.

UPDATE: Thompson has released a statement announcing his decision to not seek re-election.

Picture source: David Joles, Star Tribune