Minnesota’s political landscape is shifting following Senator Tina Smith’s announcement that she will not seek reelection. With her Senate seat set to open, speculation is growing about who might step forward to replace her, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is reportedly considering a run, according to a source close to him who spoke with Politico.
Walz, who ran as Kamala Harris’ running mate in the 2024 presidential election, faces multiple options for his political future. In addition to a potential Senate bid, he could choose to seek reelection as governor in 2026. His decision could significantly shape Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party’s direction heading into the next election cycle.
Smith’s departure has also drawn interest from several other prominent Minnesota Democrats.
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has publicly expressed her intention to run, though she has yet to make a formal campaign announcement. In a statement on social media, Flanagan wrote, “I love Minnesota, and my intention is to run for the United States Senate and continue to serve the people of this state. I’ll make a formal announcement later this month.”
Representative Ilhan Omar has not ruled out a Senate bid either. A spokesperson for her office stated, “Congresswoman Omar will be talking with Minnesotans about the future of the Senate seat and the DFL Party in Minnesota,” leaving the door open for her potential candidacy.
Representative Angie Craig is also being encouraged to enter the race. A person familiar with the situation said that Craig is receiving support from both Minnesota and national figures to run for the seat. Her candidacy could appeal to moderates within the party, given her track record representing a swing district in the U.S. House.
Other possible contenders include Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, a progressive Democrat with national recognition, and former Senator Al Franken. Franken, who resigned from the Senate in 2018 amid allegations of inappropriate conduct, has since expressed regret over his resignation and could attempt a political comeback.
Smith, who has served in the Senate since 2018, explained her decision in a video statement, saying she is ready to step away from public office and spend more time with her family. “After 20 years of hard and rewarding work in the public sector, I’m ready to spend more time with my family,” she said.
Though Smith framed her departure as a personal decision rather than a political one, she acknowledged the importance of strong leadership in today’s political climate. “It’s not lost on me that our country is in need of strong progressive leadership right now, maybe more than ever,” she said.
With Smith’s decision to step aside, Minnesota’s upcoming Senate race is set to be highly competitive. The state, which has leaned Democratic in recent years, remains a key battleground, and the race will likely draw national attention. Whoever steps forward to replace Smith will need to navigate a rapidly changing political environment while appealing to a diverse electorate.