Former legislator Pam Myhra, who described herself as "a conservative Republican," announced her candidacy for Congress in Minnesota's Second Congressional District this morning in Savage.
Myhra became the third Republican candidate in the race to replace Congressman John Kline, who announced last month he would not seek re-election to Congress in 2016.
In her speech announcing her candidacy, Myhra focused on economic issues and mentioned "out of control federal government spending" and the need for "a healthy economy to make a living and support our families."
Myhra, who is a Certified Public Accountant, was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representative in 2010 and was re-elected in 2012.
In 2014, Myhra was selected by Republican candidate for governor Marty Seifert to be his candidate for lieutenant governor. Seifert and Myhra did not win the Republican Party of Minnesota's endorsement for governor and were later defeated in the Republican primary election last August.
Myhra said she would abide by the endorsement of the Republican Party of Minnesota in the Second Congressional District.
In response to a question, Myhra contrasted herself with the other Republican candidates in the race and those who may run by highlighting that she won her re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2012.
Republican David Gerson, who challenged Kline in 2012 and 2014, announced in January he was running for Congress again in 2016. Former State Senator John Howe, R-Red Wing, announced his candidacy two weeks ago.
