Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said Thursday she will run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, the first Democrat to jump into what could be a crowded field to replace outgoing Sen. Tina Smith. Flanagan made her announcement within a few hours after Smith,

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,

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has confirmed her intention to run for Sen. Tina Smith's soon-to-be vacant seat in the U.S. Senate. Smith announced on Thursday that she will not seek reelection after he term ends, meaning Minnesotans will vote for a new junior senator in November 2026.