Rep. Ron Kind Won’t Run For Governor In 2018

Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind said Friday he will not run as a Democratic candidate for governor in 2018.

Kind has represented Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District since 1997. His name has often been floated by Democrats as a possible gubernatorial candidate, but Kind has yet to run for the office.

In a statement released Friday morning, Kind said he is “extremely humbled and appreciative” of the recognition, but has decided to focus on continued work in Congress.

“I believe representing Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District requires my undivided attention to ensure policies are not enacted that will harm Wisconsinites back home,” he said in the statement.

Gov. Scott Walker is expected to run for re-election in 2018, but has not yet announced his candidacy.

“With the lowest unemployment rate since 2001, more people working than ever before, and a bright economic outlook for Wisconsin families, it’s not surprising that Democrats are thinking twice about running against Governor Walker’s strong record of results and reform,” Walker campaign spokesman Joe Fadness said in a prepared statement Friday.

Walker has said he plans to make an announcement about his candidacy after the state budget is complete.