Peggy Flanagan Announces U.S. Senate Run: 5 Other Likely Contenders

ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan announced Thursday that she will run for U.S. Senate in 2026, becoming the first Democrat to enter the race to succeed retiring Sen. Tina Smith.

"I love Minnesota and my intention is to run for the United States Senate and continue to serve the people of this state," Flanagan posted on social media.

Flanagan made her announcement just hours after Smith said she would not seek reelection in 2026, opening the door to competitive primaries for Democrats and Republicans in the state.

Smith, 66, cited her desire to spend more time with her children and grandchildren.

Flanagan could face fellow Democrat U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has expressed interest in running, the Star Tribune reported.

U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon are also considered likely contenders.

Meanwhile, former GOP 2024 U.S. Senate candidate Royce White was the first to announce his intent to seek the Republican Party’s nomination.

Republican State Sens. Julia Coleman and Karin Housley of Stillwater are also considering bids for the U.S. Senate.

Smith was appointed by then-Gov. Mark Dayton in December 2017 to succeed Al Franken, who resigned following allegations of sexual harassment. She went on to win a special election in 2018 and secured a full six-year term in 2020.

"I’ve decided not to run for re-election to the Senate in 2026," Smith said on social media Thursday morning. "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."

Watch her video announcement here.