Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith Not Seeking Reelection in 2026

Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith announced Thursday that she won't seek a second full term next year. She is the second Democrat to retire this cycle; Sen. Gary Peters announced his departure late last month.

While Republicans haven't won a statewide seat in Minnesota since 2006, races have often been competitive. Kamala Harris won by 4.2% here this past November. It was her second narrowest margin of victory (after New Hampshire). Smith won by about 5% in 2020 over Republican Jason Lewis. Initial 2026 ratings by Cook Political and Sabato's Crystal Ball were 'Likely Democrat'. At a minimum, Smith's decision probably means additional Democratic resources will need to be expended to defend the seat.

Smith was the Lieutenant Governor when Governor Mark Dayton (D) appointed her to the Senate in December, 2017. She was seated in January, 2018, replacing Al Franken (D), who had resigned. Smith won a special election that November, and a full term in 2020.