The same thing happened to me on my JD ZTR yesterday. Turned out it was just an accumulation of cotton on the foam pre-filter from the two big cottonwoods. Check your air filter first for a heavy accumulation of dirt, etc. especially if you have a foam pre-filter, which should be cleaned with soap and water. If it's just a paper filter, all you can do is tap it against the concrete, etc. as best you can to knock of the loose dirt until you can buy a new one. Also, make sure your choke is not accidentally engaged.

I did check the choke and I will clean the air filter. Any other suggestions?