Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith won’t run in 2026. Fellow Democrat Gov. Tim Walz and others eye the seat
Tina Smith, U.S. Senator from Minnesota, announced Thursday that she will not seek reelection. This decision has sparked a scramble among potential candidates of both major parties to fill the open seat.
Many Democrats have announced their intention to run for office or expressed an interest in doing so, including Governor. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan with U.S. Rep. Ilhan Oma and Secretary of State Steve Simon
Democrats were already facing a steep battle to regain control in the Senate. Republicans hold a majority of 53-47, which has allowed them to confirm Trump’s cabinet nominees. Smith’s retirement means that Democrats will be without an incumbent when they are trying to recruit candidates to run in races where it will likely be more difficult for them to win.
Flanagan quickly issued a statement stating that she intends to run. Walz, the Vice President Kamala Harris running mate for 2024, has expressed interest in the race, according to a source who spoke with The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity. The person was not authorized by The Associated Press to speak publicly about the matter. Omar, according to her chief of Staff, Connor McNutt, is also thinking about a run. Simon is also considering a run, said Connor McNutt, her chief of staff.
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Minnesota has not had a Republican win statewide since 2006. However, two Republicans came close to winning in 2022. The traditionally Democratic state is becoming more competitive.
On the Republican side of things, anti-establishment populist Royce White had already announced that he would run against Smith in 2026. He confirmed this in a Thursday post on X, which included a picture of him with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who is now Trump’s Health Secretary. He tweeted: “The People are Coming and We Get the Government We Deserve.”
Other names that are being mentioned as possible Republican candidates include State Rep. Kristin Roberts, and state senators. Karin Housley, Julia Coleman and former auditor candidate Ryan Wilson. Attorney Chris Madel is also a name that has been mentioned as a potential Republican candidate. Wilson was just 8,400 votes away from winning the 2022 election. Housley lost the general election to Smith in 2018. Coleman is the wife of a former U.S. Senator. Norm Coleman. Adam Schwarze, a former congressional candidate, tweeted that he was looking forward to “sharing some big news shortly” in response to Smith’s announcement.
Jennifer DeJournett is the executive director of state GOP.
Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, of Minnesota, has already announced that he is not running for president. Phillips, who challenged President Joe Biden unsuccessfully in the party primaries last spring, had said he would not be running.
After 20 years in the public service, Smith, 66, wants to spend time with her family. She was initially appointed to finish the term of former Sen. Al Franken, after he resigned over allegations of sexual misconduct.
This decision is not a political one. Smith stated that the decision was entirely personal. Smith said, “It is entirely personal.”
Smith has said that she will use the remaining two years of her term to work to represent Minnesota in the Senate, without worrying about running for re-election. She also stated that there are Democratic leaders ready to step in.
She said, “We have an abundance of political talent here in Minnesota. A group of leaders who are more than willing to take on the task and move us forward.” “I’m thrilled to create space for them to go forward.”
Smith was Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor when Gov. Mark Dayton nominated her to finish Franken’s tenure after his resignation in late 2017. She was elected in January 2018, and retained her seat in November’s general election. In 2020, she won a six-year full term.
She was previously the chief of staff for Dayton and Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak, and a senior executive at Planned Parenthood of Minnesota North Dakota and South Dakota.
Flanagan announced that she will make an official announcement about her candidacy at the end of this month.
Flanagan, in a press release, said that Senator Smith had paved the path for many women just like her throughout her career. She uses her voice to fiercely protect the people of Minnesota. She has fought for farmers, small businesses and people who have been ignored so that they can achieve economic success.
Franken has said he will not run for office, but he will support the nominee of his party. He wrote on X that Minnesota Democrats “are fortunate to have a strong bench of people guided by Paul Wellstone’s words: We all do better when all do well.” I am looking forward to supporting our nominee to represent Minnesotans at Washington.
Smith’s long service was also lauded by other Democrats.
Walz wrote on his website: “Tina’s always worked to improve the lives of people. She has lowered the price for insulin, improved access to mental healthcare services, passed historic climate legislation and been our party’s advocate for reproductive freedom.” “Minnesotans won’t miss her being in the Senate.”
Klobuchar, Minnesota’s senior senator, referred to Smith as a friend of many years.
In a press release, Klobuchar stated that “her quiet but effective leadership style earned her title of the velvet hammer.” “While Tina will and I continue to work with each other for the next two-years, our friendship and legacy will last forever.”
Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democrats leader from New York, has said that he is confident they can hold her seat.
Schumer stated in a press release that Tina Smith was a remarkable Senator — intelligent, compassionate and tireless in her dedication to Minnesota and America. “I will miss her leadership, friendship and service in the Senate. I am confident that her legacy will continue to inspire.” I am confident that Minnesota will keep her seat.
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