With Sen. Tina Smith’s announcement that she will not seek reelection in 2026, politicians on both sides of the aisle are eying her seat. There has not been an open U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota since 2006, and after Republicans gained enough seats last year to wrestle the majority away from Democrats, the stakes are high.
Here are some of those who say they plan to run, are considering it and have already ruled it out.
Running
-
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (DFL)
-
Former Senate candidate Royce White (R)
-
Retired Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze (R)
Considering it
-
Gov. Tim Walz (DFL)
-
Rep. Ilhan Omar (DFL)
-
Rep. Angie Craig (DFL)
-
Secretary of State Steve Simon (DFL)
-
Rep. Pete Stauber (R)
-
Sen. Karin Housley (R)
-
Sen. Julia Coleman (R) to WCCO TV
Already ruled it out
-
Former Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R)
-
Former Rep. Dean Phillips (DFL)
-
Former Sen. Al Franken (DFL)
-
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter (DFL)
-
Former U.S. Attorney Andy Luger (DFL) to KFAN
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
