Minnesota Senator Tina Smith Announces 2026 Retirement

Smith's decision opens a competitive Senate seat as Democrats face challenges in retaining control of the chamber.

Senator Tina Smith, a Democrat from Minnesota, announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, citing personal reasons and a desire to spend more time with her family.
Smith's retirement leaves an open seat in a state that has leaned Democratic but has shown signs of Republican gains in recent elections.
Potential Democratic candidates include Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who has declared her intention to run, as well as Gov. Tim Walz, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Rep. Angie Craig, among others.
Republicans view the open seat as a rare opportunity to compete in Minnesota, with the National Republican Senatorial Committee signaling plans to target the race.
Smith is the second Democratic senator to announce retirement ahead of the 2026 midterms, complicating the party's efforts to regain the Senate majority.