Minn. Gov. Walz Mulls Senate Run to Replace Sen. Tina Smith

Minnesota Democrat Sen. Tina Smith announced Thursday that she will not seek reelection in 2026, creating another seat for Democrats to defend and lengthening their odds to retake the upper chamber.

Gov. Tim Walz, fresh off his failed run for vice president in 2024, is one Democrat mulling a run for Smith's seat, Politico reported. He could also opt to run for reelection as governor in 2026. Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan threw her name in the hat on Thursday.

Smith made the announcement in a video posted to social media, setting off what's sure to be a scramble by potential candidates in both major political parties to fill her open seat.

Democrats already face an uphill battle in trying to regain control of the Senate, where Republicans have a 53-47 majority that has enabled them to confirm President Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees. Smith's retirement will deprive Democrats of an incumbent as they try to recruit candidates for races in states that will likely be tougher for them to win.

The 66-year-old Smith said she wants to spend more time with her family after 20 years of work in the public sector.

"This decision is not political. It is 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."

Smith follows Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., who announced his retirement at the end of January.

Smith's announcement set off a wave of interest from state Democrats.

"I love Minnesota, and my intention is to run for U.S. Senate and continue to serve the people of this state. I'll make a formal announcement later this month. In the meantime, I'm talking with community and family and friends," Flanagan said in a post to X.

According to The New York Times, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison; Minnesota Democratic Reps. Angie Craig, Kelly Morrison, and Ilhan Omar; 2024 Democrat presidential candidate Dean Phillips; and Mayor Melvin Carter of St. Paul all could make a run.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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