Minnesota Senator Tina Smith Will Not Seek Reelection in 2026

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News)- Minnesota will have a new United States Senator following the 2026 midterm elections. 

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Senator Tina Smith announced in a video posted to her X page on Thursday that she does not plan to seek reelection in 2026. 

“I wanted you to hear directly from me that I have decided not to run for reelection to the United States Senate in 2026,” the Minnesota Democrat said in the video. 

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Minnesota Senator Tina Smith Will Not Seek Reelection in 2026

Smith said her decision not to seek another term is not political but entirely personal. She said she wants to spend more time with her four grandchildren, 94-year-old father, sons and extended family. 

Smith’s career in elected office began in 2015 when she was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor to former Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton after serving as his Chief of Staff from 2011-2014. 

Smith was then appointed to be Minnesota’s junior U.S. Senator after former Senator Al Franken resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations in 2018. 

Smith won reelection twice, most recently in 2020, when she clinched the standard six-year term in the U.S. Senate. 

In her post on X, Smith said representing Minnesota in the U.S. Senate was the honor of her lifetime.

Update: MN Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Announces Intention to Run for Sen. Smith's Seat

Shortly after Smith posted her announcement, Minnesota's current Lieutenant Gov. Peggy Flanagan announced her intention to enter the race to replace Smith.

Flanagan says she intends to make a formal announcement later this month.

Story updated to include Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan's announcement 

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