Democratic Sen. Tina Smith Shocks With Retirement Announcement

Clear Facts

• Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota announced she will not seek reelection in 2026.
• Smith cited personal reasons for her retirement, emphasizing a desire to prioritize family after two decades in public service.
• The Minnesota Senate race is now considered “Likely Democrat,” but Republicans see the open seat as a potential opportunity.

In a surprising turn of events, Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota has declared she will not be pursuing a second term in the Senate. Her announcement on Thursday marks her as the second Democratic senator to step down since the GOP regained control of the Senate earlier this year.

Smith, who first took office in 2018, joins Michigan’s Democratic Sen. Gary Peters in retirement, who announced his decision earlier this year amid expectations of a challenging reelection battle.

Expressing gratitude for her time in office, Smith shared her thoughts on social media, stating, “I’ve decided not to run for re-election to the Senate in 2026. This job has been the honor of a lifetime.”

In an op-ed for the Minnesota Star-Tribune, Smith elaborated on her decision, highlighting the importance of balancing her professional and personal life.

“As much as I love my work, I’m fortunate enough to be able to say that my work is only part of what makes up my life,” she explained.

Smith also acknowledged the timing of her departure, noting the current need for “strong, progressive leadership in Washington.” Despite her personal reasons, she is aware of the critical tasks awaiting her successor.

The Cook Political Report has rated the upcoming Minnesota Senate race as “Likely Democrat,” although Smith’s exit could make the contest more competitive.

Senate Republicans are already eyeing the open seat as a chance to gain ground.

“Minnesota is in play, and we play to win,” declared Republican Sen. Tim Scott, emphasizing the GOP’s commitment to issues like lower taxes and safer communities.

With Smith’s unexpected retirement, a flurry of Democratic candidates is anticipated to enter the race. Among them, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has already announced her intention to run in the Democratic primary.

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