Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan introduced her professional marketing campaign Thursday for the U.S. Senate, operating to prevail retiring Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) within the 2026 election cycle.
“Today, I’m officially launching my campaign for the U.S. Senate to go to D.C. and speak in a loud and clear voice for ALL of Minnesota,” Flanagan wrote in a submit on social platform X, noting that, “In Ojibwe, my name means ‘speaks in a loud and clear voice woman.’”
“Throughout my career, I’ve worked to live up to my name,” she persisted. “On the school board, in the state house, and as lieutenant governor, I’ve fought for kitchen-table issues that impact children and families.”
Flanagan touted her efforts in her state to boost the minimal salary, extend paid circle of relatives and clinical depart, and supply loose college foods for youngsters, announcing, “Now, I’m running to take Minnesota values to D.C.”
Flanagan — who prior to now mentioned she meant to run for the seat — enters an open Democratic box for the left-leaning Midwestern state.
A number of high-profile Democrats also are reported to be making an allowance for a bid. Politico reported that Gov. Tim Walz (D), who served as then-Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 operating mate and who’s in his 2nd time period, isn’t ruling out a Senate run.
Punchbowl Information reported that nationwide and state leaders are encouraging Rep. Angie Craig (D) to run for the seat. Axios reported Rep. Ilhan Omar (D), a member of the revolutionary “squad,” isn’t ruling out a run and can be “talking with Minnesotans” about the way forward for the seat and the state celebration.
One outstanding Minnesota Democrat, former Rep. Dean Phillips, who ran for the Democratic nomination for president remaining yr, has mentioned he wouldn’t run for Senate in 2026.
Smith introduced remaining week that she is not going to run for reelection in 2026, making her the second one Senate Democrat to announce a 2026 retirement after Michigan Sen. Gary Peters published remaining month that he wouldn’t search any other time period.
Smith mentioned the rustic wishes “strong, progressive leadership” and the state has a “deep bench of political talent” this is able to select up the paintings. She mentioned she’s desperate to make room for them to transport up.
Whilst Minnesota has been a key a part of the Democratic coalition for many years, having no longer elected a Republican senator since 2002, the GOP would possibly eye the seat and try to turn it. President Trump and different Republicans have from time to time expressed hope about their long term possibilities within the state, and Harris simplest carried it in November by means of about 4 issues over Trump.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D), Minnesota’s different senator, gained her race in November by means of greater than 15 issues.
