Republican candidate John Pederson announced Friday morning that he is dropping out of Minnesota’s 6th District U.S. Congressional race. In an email to supporters Pederson writes the decision weighed heavily on him and his family, and was made after much reflection and consideration.

He cites his priorities in life as faith, family and friends, co-workers, and the wider community.  Pederson says he cannot continue the Congressional campaign and still balance other priorities in his life as the reason he is withdrawing his name from the race. Pederson thanked his supporters and volunteers and says he’ll continue to serve Senate District 14 in Minnesota’s state legislature.
 
The 6th District Congressional race has a large group of contenders after Michele Bachmann announced she is not seeking reelection this year. That list includes Tom Emmer, Judy Adams, Jim Read, Rhonda Sivarajah and Phil Krinkie.

As of June 30, 2013, the Federal Elections Commission had the following on record for campaign donations:

Tom Emmer, $225,416

John Pederson, $35,050

Rhonda Sivarajah, $19,066