Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Tim Pugmire
St. Paul, Minn.

DFLer Steve Kelley drops out of Minn. gov race

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Two days after a poor showing in a DFL straw poll, former state Sen. Steve Kelley has ended his campaign for governor.

Kelley, of Hopkins, came in near the back of the pack in the nonbinding straw poll on Tuesday night. Just over 4 percent of DFL precinct caucus-goers picked him as their candidate for governor.

In an e-mail to supporters, Kelley thanked them for their support over the past year, but he acknowledged his lack of success.

Kelley urged his party to unite behind the candidate who is endorsed at this April's party convention. There are 12 other DFL candidates still running, and at least three of them say they will test their luck in a summer primary regardless of what the party does.

Kelley said he intends to continue in his job as a teacher and senior fellow at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute.

Kelley served in the state Legislature from 1992 to 2006. He ran for governor in 2006, losing the DFL endorsement to Mike Hatch.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)