Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota introduced on Thursday that she gained’t search reelection in 2026.
“This decision is not political, it is entirely personal,” she stated in a press release, citing that whereas she entered the Senate with no grandchildren, she and her husband now have 4 who dwell close by. “But it’s not lost upon me that our country is in need of strong, progressive leadership—right now maybe more than ever.”
“We have a deep bench of political talent in Minnesota, a group of leaders that are more than ready to pick up the work and carry us forward,” she added.
Smith, age 66, was appointed to the seat following then-Sen. Al Franken’s resignation in 2017. She subsequently gained the seat’s 2018 particular election and its 2020 election for a full time period.
Shortly after Smith’s announcement, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan jumped into the race.
“I love Minnesota and my intention is to run for United States Senate and continue to serve the people of this state,” she stated in a assertion. “I’ll make a formal announcement later this month. In the meantime, I’m talking with community and my family and friends. I will have more to say soon.”
In the meantime, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who ran as vice chairman on the 2024 Democratic ticket, can also be contemplating getting into the Senate race, in response to Politico.
Minnesota is a blue-leaning state, but it surely’s not the most secure place on the map. Republican candidates have gained 5 of 16 Senate races since 1980, and in 2008, Democrat Al Franken eked out a victory, profitable by 0.01 proportion factors—simply 312 votes—over Republican Norm Coleman. And final 12 months, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris gained the state by simply over 4 factors.
The state is a must-win for Democrats in 2026 if they need any shot at retaking the Senate majority. The chamber presently stands at 53 Republicans to 47 Democrats.
Smith is the second Democratic senator to announce they gained’t search reelection, opening up a path for the celebration to herald youthful, more energizing voices.
In January, Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan introduced he gained’t search reelection in 2026, after serving two phrases. Because of this 2026 will likely be the second election cycle in a row the place Democrats should defend an open Senate seat in Michigan, a state Trump took in 2024. Final 12 months, Democrat Elissa Slotkin gained her Senate race by simply 0.3 factors.
The Cook dinner Political Report, a dependable race-rating outlet, considers Peters’ Michigan seat to be a toss-up, together with the seat held by Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia.
As Day by day Kos reported in December, profitable again the Senate for Democrats is an extended, treacherous street. They need to not solely defend six seats in 2026 and 2028 that have been determined by fewer than 5 factors, however they have to additionally achieve three to 4 seats to achieve the bulk in 2028, relying on whether or not a Democrat or Republican wins the White Home that 12 months.
Now, with Smith and Peters set to exit, there will likely be many alternatives for brand spanking new leaders with recent concepts to introduce themselves.
