'Entirely personal': Democrat Tina Smith to not seek reelection in 2026
WASHINGTON − Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., will not seek reelection in 2026.
The junior senator from Minnesota first won her seat in 2018 in a special election. Smith won reelection and a full six-year term two years later.
Now, she says she's "ready to spend more time with (her) family."
"This decision is not political. It is entirely personal," Smith said in a video posted to X Thursday. "But it's not lost on me that our country is in need of strong progressive leadership."
Smith added that in her remaining two years, she will be able to fully focus on governing, without the pressure of running a reelection campaign. Her decision, she said, also makes room for the next generation of leadership.
Democrats face an uphill battle in 2026 when it comes to defending their current Senate seats and attempting to take over any held by Republicans. Of the two races labeled a "toss-up" by Cook Political Report, both are currently blue seats.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised Smith's leadership and commitment to the state in a statement Thursday, adding he is not concerned about the party's future where her vacancy is concerned.
"We have a strong bench in Minnesota and I’m confident that we’ll keep her seat blue," Schumer said.
There's a plethora of Minnesota Democrats being eyed to vie for the now open seat. The state's lieutenant governor, Peggy Flanagan, made her intent to run known an hour after Smith's announcement.
Other names floated, though not official, include Governor, and former vice presidential candidate, Tim Walz, as well as Reps. Ilhan Omar and Angie Craig.