Minnesota Democratic Sen. Tina Smith Won't Run For Reelection

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.

I’ve decided not to run for re-election to the Senate in 2026.

This job has been the honor of a lifetime. For the rest of my term, I’ll work as hard as I can for Minnesotans and our country.

Thank you so much, Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/3sWVib8nKJ

— Senator Tina Smith (@SenTinaSmith) February 13, 2025

Smith said Democrats have a “deep bench” of potential candidates to replace her in the Senate. Minnesota’s Senate seats haven’t been occupied by a Republican for over 20 years.

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The announcement follows Sen. Gary Peters’ (D-Mich.) decision to retire in 2026.

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