Iowa state Sen. Mark Chelgren won’t run for Congress

Iowa state Sen. Mark Chelgren has decided not to run for Congress in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District.

Chelgren, a Republican from Ottumwa, said Friday he decided he did not want to spend so much time away from his family. He said he told party leadership of his decision last week. Chelgren has two school-age kids.

'I really should spend my time focused on them while they're young,” he said.

Chelgren, who is in his second term in Des Moines, announced last fall that he would challenge incumbent Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa. Loebsack is seeking a sixth term.

The Ottumwa lawmaker got widespread attention last year when he said that consideration should be given to executing illegal immigrants who are felons and who re-enter the country repeatedly.

Chelgren's announcement comes in the midst of the filing period for the June primary. The deadline for filing papers in Friday, March 18. Chelgren said that other people have expressed an interest.

Scott County Republican Party Chairwoman Judy Davidson said Friday she knows of a person who is considering a bid, but she would not divulge the person's name.

Davidson, who is on the state party's central committee, said she is confident the party will field a 2nd District candidate.