Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced Thursday she would not seek reelection in 2026.
Smith was first elected to the U.S. Senate in a 2018 special election to replace former Sen. Al Franken and won a full six-year term in 2020. Prior to the Senate, Smith worked behind the scenes in several election campaigns and became the Minnesota lieutenant governor in 2014.
Released before her retirement announcement, a KSTP/SurveyUSA poll had Smith at a 47% approval rating and a 28% disapproval rating.
In a video announcing her decision, Smith said her decision not to run was motivated by her desire to spend more time with her family, including her four grandchildren.
“This decision is not political, it’s entirely personal,” Smith said. “But it’s not lost on me that our country is in need of strong progressive leadership right now, maybe more than ever.”
Who is next?
Smith’s retirement decision gives high-profile Minnesota Democrats, whose opportunities for higher office were limited due to the many incumbent Democrats in the state, a chance in Washington D.C.
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said in a post on X that she will run for Senate in 2026.
“I love Minnesota and my intention is to run for U.S. Senate and continue to serve the people of this state,” Flanagan said in her post. “I’ll make a formal announcement later this month. In the meantime, I’m talking with community and family and friends.”
If elected, Flanagan would become the fifth Indigenous person and first Indigenous woman in the U.S. Senate. The only other Indigenous members of Congress are Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.).
Flanagan is not the only notable Minnesota Democrat considering a run. Gov. Tim Walz is considering running according to a person close to the governor, Politico reported.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) is not ruling out a run either, a spokesperson told Politico.
“Congresswoman Omar will be talking with Minnesotans about the future of the Senate seat and DFL party in Minnesota,” a spokesperson said to Politico.
Other notable Democrats who could be top contenders for Smith’s old job if they ran include Attorney General Keith Ellison, Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) or newly elected Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.)
On the other side of the political aisle, Republican Royce White said he would run again for Senate shortly after he lost to Sen. Amy Klobuchar by nearly 16 points. The anti-establishment candidate posted on X reaffirming his intention to run alongside a photo with the new U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
