Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota introduced on Thursday that she received’t search reelection in 2026.
“This decision is not political, it is entirely personal,” she mentioned 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 received 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 mentioned in a press release. “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 vp on the 2024 Democratic ticket, can be contemplating getting into the Senate race, in keeping with Politico.
Minnesota is a blue-leaning state, nevertheless it’s not the most secure place on the map. Republican candidates have received 5 of 16 Senate races since 1980, and in 2008, Democrat Al Franken eked out a victory, successful by 0.01 share factors—simply 312 votes—over Republican Norm Coleman. And final 12 months, Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris received 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 at present stands at 53 Republicans to 47 Democrats.
Smith is the second Democratic senator to announce they received’t search reelection, opening up a path for the social gathering to usher in youthful, brisker voices.
Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan
In January, Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan introduced he received’t search reelection in 2026, after serving two phrases. Because of this 2026 shall 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 received 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 Every day Kos reported in December, successful again the Senate for Democrats is a protracted, treacherous street. They have to not solely defend six seats in 2026 and 2028 that had 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 shall be many alternatives for brand new leaders with recent concepts to introduce themselves.
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