Senator Tina Smith won’t run in 2026 as Democrats face a brutal card

On By Littum

Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota, a Democrat, said on Thursday that she would not seek re -election in 2026, creating another open seat for her party to defend next year as it is facing a long -shot fight to withdraw the chamber.

Mrs. Smith, 66, quoted a desire to spend more time with her four grandchildren and her 94-year-old father. She said her decision was “completely personal” and not related to politics.

“I have decided not to drive for re -election to the US Senate in 2026,” she said in one Video Sent on social media. “After 20 years of hard and rewarding work in the public sector, I am ready to spend more time with my family.”

Mrs. Smith, who had served as Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor, was raised to the Senate of Government Manager Mark Dayton in 2018, after her predecessor, former Senator Al Franken, withdrew over accusations of sexual harassment, which he refused. She won Senate competitions in 2018 and 2020 and was considered a favorite to preserve the seat in 2026 if she had sought another full period.

Mrs. Smith’s departure means that Democrats will have to defend two open Senate seats next year. Last month, Senator Gary Peters of Michigan said he would not seek re -election, although this seat is considered far more competitive than Minnesotas.

Republicans have a 53-to-47 benefit in the Senate. Democrats are seen as having a few pick -up options beyond the seats that Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has.

Minnesota has no shortage of ambitious Democrats who may be considering a race for Mrs. Smith’s seat. They include Keith Ellison, the State Attorney; Representative Angie Craig; Former representative Dean Phillips; Mayor Melvin Carter from St. Paul; And government manager Tim Walz, who was the party’s nominees for Vice President last year.

Minnesota has not sent a Republican to the Senate since Norm Coleman won election in 2002. No Republican has won a state competition in Minnesota since Tim Pawlenty was re -elected as a governor in 2006.