Sen. Tina Smith to Retire, Leaving Minnesota Senate Seat Open

ST. PAUL, Minn. — U.S. Sen. Tina Smith announced Thursday that she will retire at the end of her term in 2025, choosing not to run for re-election in 2026 and leaving a Democratic-held seat open in what is becoming an increasingly competitive political landscape in the Upper Midwest.

The decision comes after Smith, who has represented Minnesota in the Senate since 2018, had previously indicated her intention to seek another six-year term. Smith’s career in the Senate includes two successful elections, the most recent of which in 2020 saw her win by a 5-point margin. As of this year, Smith had amassed over $700,000 for her campaign fund.

In a video statement, Smith expressed her love for the job, saying, “I have loved my job as United States Senator, and also, after 20 years of hard and rewarding work in the public sector, I’m ready to spend more time with my family.” She clarified that her retirement decision was personal and emphasized the need for strong progressive leadership during these challenging times.

Despite stepping down, Smith vowed to dedicate herself fully to her remaining two years in office and expressed confidence that a Democratic successor would emerge from Minnesota’s deep political talent pool. “We have a great bench here in Minnesota,” she noted.

Just a week prior to her announcement, Smith had reiterated her intent to run for re-election but indicated uncertainty when pressed. “I always worked on the executive branch side…I have found it tremendously rewarding,” she said during an MPR show. “It’s a lot harder, certainly, when you don’t have the power to accomplish what you want to accomplish, which is the case now.”

With Republicans gaining enough seats in the Senate for a 53-seat majority, Smith has articulated a commitment to the progressive issues she championed, such as housing, farm policies, and mental health awareness, including her own personal struggles.

Before serving in the Senate, Smith was the lieutenant governor under Gov. Mark Dayton, who appointed her to fill a Senate vacancy. Smith, originally from New Mexico, moved to Minnesota in the 1980s for a marketing job at General Mills, transitioning to a political career in the 2010s.

Smith, who is 66, is married to Archie Smith and has two adult sons and four grandchildren, all residing in Minneapolis. With her retirement, Minnesota is gearing up for a highly competitive election cycle in 2026 as it prepares to fill multiple statewide offices, including the Senate seat Smith vacates.

The anticipation surrounding the open Senate seat suggests an influx of campaign funding, heightened field operations, and a significant media presence aimed at voters. Although Democrats have not lost a statewide race since 2006, recent close finishes in statewide elections show an increasingly competitive environment for both parties.

Royce White, a conservative podcaster, has already announced his candidacy for the Senate seat, setting the stage for an intensely fought race. Smith voiced optimism regarding Democratic chances in the upcoming midterms, citing historical trends affecting the party in power during mid-election cycles.

“I suspect that a 2026 midterm election will be very good for Democrats,” Smith predicted recently, highlighting potential voter backlash against the current leadership.