Tim Pawlenty, a lifelong Minnesotan and evangelical Christian, served two terms as the state’s Republican governor from 2003 to 2011. Born on November 27, 1960, in St. Paul, he worked his way through the University of Minnesota, earning a B.A. in political science (1983) and a J.D. (1986) while supporting himself at an Applebaum’s grocery store.
Early public service
After a stint as an attorney at Rider, Bennett, Egan & Arundel (1989‑2000), Pawlenty entered local politics, serving on the Eagan City Council (1990‑1992). He was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1993, representing District 38B, and rose to become House Majority Leader (1999‑2003).
Governor of Minnesota
Winning the 2002 gubernatorial election, Pawlenty took office on January 6, 2003. During his eight‑year tenure, he emphasized fiscal responsibility, limited government, and traditional family values, publicly opposing abortion and same‑sex marriage. He chose not to seek a third term, announcing his decision on June 2, 2009.
National political involvement
In January 2007, Senator John McCain’s exploratory committee named Pawlenty as a potential co‑chair for a presidential campaign, and he spoke at the 2008 Republican National Convention. After an exploratory presidential bid in 2011, he withdrew and later endorsed Mitt Romney, serving as a national co‑chair for Romney’s campaign.
Post‑governorship career
Following his political campaigns, Pawlenty became president and CEO of the Financial Services Roundtable, a Washington, D.C. lobbying group, beginning November 1, 2012. He resigned in early 2018, shortly before the organization merged into the Bank Policy Institute. He attempted a return to state politics, announcing a gubernatorial run in April 2018, but lost the Republican primary to Jeff Johnson in August 2018.
Recent appointment
On December 19, 2024, Essentia Health announced that Pawlenty had joined its board of directors, adding his experience in public policy and business to the health‑care organization’s leadership.
Personal background
Pawlenty is married to Mary (Anderson) Pawlenty since 1987, and they have two daughters, Mara and Anna. His mother, Virginia “Ginny” Pawlenty, died of ovarian cancer when he was 16. He remains active in faith‑based circles and continues to be a voice for conservative principles in Minnesota and beyond.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
