(VOR News) – Senator Tina Smith, a Democrat from Minnesota, declared on Thursday her decision not to pursue reelection and to retire at the conclusion of her 2026 term.
Smith informed her supporters in a brief social media video: “I wanted you to hear directly from me that I have chosen not to seek re-election to the United States Senate in 2026.”
Tina Smith asserts in her video that, although she appreciates her profession, she is “ready to allocate more time to my family.” She observes that her daughter and grandchildren have relocated to Minneapolis, and her father will turn 95 years old this summer.
“Tina Smith made this decision for herself; it’s not political.”
Nonetheless, I am keenly cognisant that our country necessitates robust, progressive leadership at this critical juncture.
Tina Smith, 66, was initially elected to the Senate in 2017 to occupy the seat created by the resignation of Democratic Senator Al Franken, who faced allegations of sexual misconduct. Tina Smith successfully completed a full six-year term after winning a special election the subsequent year and again in 2020.
Prior to her senatorial role, she served as Minnesota’s lieutenant governor and was a principal advisor to prominent Democratic senators. This incident solidified her position as a pivotal figure in state politics.
Tina Smith is the second Democratic senator to declare retirement prior to the 2026 midterm elections, following Michigan Senator Gary Peters. To regain control of the Senate, Democrats must secure at least two vacant positions.
The Senate now comprises 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats who caucus collectively. Nevertheless, Vice President JD Vance possesses the tie-breaking vote, indicating that the GOP must get four additional members to regain control of the chamber.
In November, Vice President Kamala Harris secured Tina Smith’s Minnesota seat by a margin of four points; but, Democrats are optimistic about retaining it. The latest statewide election secured by Republicans occurred in 2006, when Tim Pawlenty narrowly achieved reelection as governor.
David Bergstein, a spokesperson for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, asserted, “Democrats will maintain this seat in 2026, as no Republican has triumphed in a Minnesota Senate race for over 20 years.”
In Minnesota, President Donald Trump garnered just under 47% of the vote in 2024, the greatest percentage for any Republican presidential candidate.
A potentially congested race.
The unforeseen vacancy may create a congested landscape for Democrats pursuing elevated positions.
In her video, Tina Smith stated, “We possess a cadre of leaders fully equipped to advance our efforts, showcasing a profound depth of political talent in Minnesota.”
“I am eager to facilitate their progress.”
Tina Smith refrained from endorsing a successor during a brief discussion with reporters in Washington, asserting her desire to provide prospective candidates “sufficient time” to contemplate a potential candidate.
This represents Minnesota’s most consequential unoccupied position since Rep. Tim Walz’s victorious gubernatorial campaign in 2018. Walz has not officially declared his desire to seek a third gubernatorial term in 2026. Should he fail to comply, the ensuing discord may adversely affect the Senate race.
A source close to Walz indicates that he is contemplating a third gubernatorial campaign and has not dismissed the possibility of pursuing a Senate seat. On Thursday, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan declared, “I am dedicated to serving the citizens of Minnesota and am contemplating a candidature for the United States Senate.” Later this month, I will issue an official declaration.
Flanagan and Attorney General Keith Ellison are the most distinguished Democrats in Minnesota, even though Democrats hold all statewide positions. Congressional members may investigate it. A Democratic strategist has identified Rep. Angie Craig as a candidate of interest due to her successful history in prominent races within her suburban Minneapolis district.
During a discussion with reporters at the US Capitol regarding Craig’s potential candidacy, Tina Smith described her as a “very good friend.”
Following their defeat to Franken by several hundred votes in 2008, Republican Senate candidates in the state have encountered significant challenges. The existence of a vacant seat may compel certain prominent Republicans to reevaluate their stances.
Amy Klobuchar, a Democratic senator, triumphed over former NBA player Royce White by a margin of 16 points in the last election, far exceeding the presidential race’s margin.
SOURCE: NBC
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