Michele Bachmann: 'I Will Not Seek a Fifth Congressional Term'

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann will not run for re-election in 2014.

The Republican, who until this year represented the Stillwater area in the U.S. House of Representatives, made the announcement in an eight-minute video posted late Tuesday on YouTube and on her campaign website.

Long considered a popular figure with conservative Republicans, Bachmann ran a failed presidential campaign in 2010. 

Greg Walden, National Republican Congressional Committee chairman, said in a statement: 

“Since her election to Congress in 2006, Michele has been a tireless advocate and dedicated Representative for the people of Minnesota’s Sixth District. Michele was the first Republican woman elected to represent Minnesota in the U.S. House of Representatives, and she has worked hard each day to ensure that her constituents’ voices are heard in the halls of Congress.  

“As a member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Financial Services Committee, Michele has devoted herself to keeping our country safe and has fought for fiscal responsibility in Washington.

“As Michele, Marcus and their children head into the next chapter of their lives, I wish them all the best and thank Michele for her service in Congress.”

The Minnesota Sixth Congressional District Republicans shared on its website:

"We thank Congresswoman Bachmann for her years of hard work for the people of the 6th congressional district and her unflinching commitment to conservative principles. Her voice and tireless efforts will be missed in Congress, but we trust she will continue to be a strong advocate for conservative, Constitutional government."

If you are having trouble viewing the video, see it at YouTube.com or MicheleBachmann.com.

Read a full transcript of Bachmann's announcement at St. Michael Patch.