Democratic Sen. Tina Smith won’t seek reelection in 2026, kicking off what could be a crowded primary to replace her in the state of Minnesota.
Smith, 66, said in a video posted online on Thursday she was ready to spend more time with her family, including her grandchildren.
“This decision is not political, it’s entirely personal, but it’s not lost on me that our country is in need of strong progressive leadership right now, maybe more than ever,” Smith said, vowing to run through the tape for her remaining two years in the Senate.
Democrats are still reeling from President Donald Trump’s victory in November, an election that also gave Republicans full control of Congress.
Democratic lawmakers have struggled to coalesce around a message as the Senate confirms Trump’s wildly controversial nominees while the president releases a steady stream of executive orders.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said he would miss Smith’s leadership in the Senate.
“I have no doubt that her legacy of service will continue to inspire. We have a strong bench in Minnesota and I’m confident that we’ll keep her seat blue,” Schumer said in a statement to HuffPost.
Smith was originally appointed to the Senate in 2017 to replace Al Franken, who resigned under pressure from his colleagues amid allegations of inappropriate behavior. Smith was elected to a full term in 2020.
Smith’s announcement follows Sen. Gary Peters’ (D-Mich.) decision to retire in 2026, giving Republicans a chance to expand their majority in the upper chamber and making it even harder for Democrats to recover lost ground.
Smith’s seat stands a better chance than Peters’ of remaining in Democratic hands. Minnesota has been reliably blue, though Trump performed better in the 2024 election than he did in 2016.
Smith said Democrats have a “deep bench” of potential candidates to replace her in the Senate. Minnesota hasn’t elected a Republican senator in over 20 years.
One possible replacement for Smith? Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), who was former Vice President Kamala Harris’ vice presidential running mate last year.
A source close to Walz told HuffPost the governor is considering a Senate bid, though he hasn’t ruled out serving a third term as governor.
Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, might also try for the seat, according to another source.
Another Democrat, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, announced Thursday that she would run.
“I love Minnesota and my intention is to run for U.S. Senate and continue to serve the people of this state,” Flanagan said on social media. “I’ll make a formal announcement later this month.”
Franken, for his part, said he looked forward to supporting whichever Democratic candidate comes out on top.
Kevin Robillard contributed reporting.
CORRECTION: This story has been amended to clarify that Minnesota hasn’t elected a Republican senator in 20 years, although it has had a Republican senator during that period.