Democrat Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith said in a shocking announcement Thursday that she would not seek reelection for a second term.
Smith, who was elected to the Senate in 2018, is the second Democrat incumbent to announce his retirement since Republicans seized Senate control in January. Democrat Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, who is likely to face a tough reelection contest, announced his retirement on January 28th. (Related: Democrats' spiral over how to resist Trump, how to assault their own voters)
I decided not to run for reelection to the Senate in 2026.
This job was a lifelong honor. For the rest of my term, I will work as hard as I can for Minnesotan and our country.
Thank you very much, Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/3swvib8nkj
– Senator Tina Smith (@sentinasmith) February 13, 2025
Smith has implied that the senator is well above the “retirement age” as he contributes in part to her decision not to seek reelection.
“As much as I love my job, I am lucky enough to say that my job is just a part of what constitutes my life,” Smith said. I wrote it It was held on Thursday at the Minnesota Star Tribune. “And after 20 years of challenging and challenging work in public services, I'm ready to start with my family and prioritize other things.”
“So my decision has nothing to do with politics,” Smith continued. “It's completely personal, but it's hard to get me away from my elected office when strong, progressive leadership in Washington is more important than ever. Hmm. Just as I look forward to the new adventures awaiting in this big, complicated and beautiful world, I know that I will leave Minnesota's next senator with some important job.”
Early analysis of the 2026 Minnesota Senate Race's Nonpartisan Cuisine Political Report Fee A contest as a “probably a Democrat.” The race will be more competitive following Smith's announcement that he will not seek reelection.
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