ST. PAUL — Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty ruled himself out of the race for former Democratic Sen. Al Franken’s seat on Tuesday, handing Washington Republicans their latest setback in recruiting top-tier candidates in the potentially bruising midterm elections.

The two-term governor and 2012 presidential candidate’s name quickly surfaced after Franken announced last month that he’d resign amid sexual misconduct allegations. Pawlenty is a prolific fundraiser with deep connections after a national campaign and five years as a top banking lobbyist, and Republicans in Washington and Minnesota largely viewed the race as Pawlenty’s to turn down.

Pawlenty publicly admitted he was considering a run. But on Tuesday, he announced during an interview on Fox Business that he wouldn’t run. He noted there were only 10 months until the election in Minnesota, which he labeled “a tough state for Republicans.”

His announcement follows North Dakota Rep. Kevin Cramer’s decision not to challenge vulnerable Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.

In Minnesota, Pawlenty’s decision means state Sen. Karin Housley is the only Republican in the race. Former U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, who also ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, has also said she’s considering a campaign for the Senate seat.

The Democrat appointed by the governor to immediately replace Franken in the Senate, Sen. Tina Smith, is running for the seat in November.

Pawlenty says he was still weighing options to return to public service after leaving office in early 2011.

He is reportedly still considering another run for governor this year.

KEY 2018 ELECTION-RELATED DATES

Feb.6 — Precinct caucuses

May 22-June 5 — Candidate filing period. Candidates running for partisan office need to file for office during this window of time.

June 29 — Early primary election voting begins via absentee ballot, by mail or in person at county election offices.

July 24 — Pre-registration deadline for the Primary Election.

Aug. 14 — Primary Election Day.