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Politics and Government News
MPR News Staff
Updated:

A look at who might run for Sen. Tina Smith’s seat in the Senate

A woman greets attendants at the capitol
Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) greets the attendants during Asian Pacific Minnesotans rally at Minnesota State Capitol on April 21, 2022 in St. Paul.
Kerem Yücel for MPR News file

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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

  • Rep. Ilhan Omar (DFL)

  • Rep. Angie Craig (DFL)

  • Secretary of State Steve Simon (DFL)

  • David Wellstone, son of former Sen. Paul Wellstone (DFL)

  • Sen. Karin Housley (R)

  • Sen. Julia Coleman (R)

  • Rep. Kristin Robbins (R)

Already ruled it out

  • Gov. Tim Walz (DFL)

  • Rep. Pete Stauber (R)

  • 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.