BREAKING: Pawlenty Jumps Into MN-Gov

Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) is running for his former position, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

The former governor made a bid for president in 2012, but he dropped out early in the race after his national campaign failed to gain traction.

But his popularity in Minnesota could turn the blue state red.

BREAKING: Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty announces he'll seek old job; first bid since failed 2012 GOP presidential run.

— The Associated Press (@AP) April 5, 2018

Pawlenty’s entrance into the race prompted election forecasters to change their ratings of the race. Originally considering the race as “lean Democrat,” the University of Virginia’s Crystal Ball changed its rating to “toss up.”

CRYSTAL BALL RATINGS CHANGE: Open MN-GOV goes from Leans D to Toss-up w/ former Gov. Tim Pawlenty's (R) entry into race

— Kyle Kondik (@kkondik) April 5, 2018