Democratic U.S. Senator Tina Smith said she will not seek re-election in 2026, which leaves an open seat in moderately competitive Minnesota and complicates her party's hopes of winning back control of the chamber in the midterm elections.

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan made clear she plans to run. She will likely face several other Democrats.

Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) announced she would not seek reelection to her seat in the Senate next year, setting up rampant speculation on who could compete for the open election in the North Star State. Minnesota is not one of the traditional swing states,