Politics
REPORT: Tim Walz Floats New Run For Office After Term As Governor Ends
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is reportedly eyeing a run for U.S. Senate after his current term in the governor’s mansion expires. The report comes after Senator Tina Smith announced that she would not be seeking another term in 2026.
Walz, who unsuccessfully ran for vice president back in November, could also run for an another term as governor if he chooses to do so. If he does decide to hop in the race, he would be joining an already somewhat field, as Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has already launched a bid of her own.
“I love Minnesota and my intention is to run for United States Senate and continue to serve the people of this state,” Flanagan announced in a social media post almost immediately after Smith signaled her intention to retire. “I’ll make a formal announcement later this month. In the meantime, I’m talking with community and my family and friends. I will have more to say soon.”
U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) has also refused to rule out a bid in the Democrat-leaning state.“Congresswoman Omar will be talking with Minnesotans about the future of the Senate seat and DFL party in Minnesota,” a spokesperson told Politico.
Governor of Minnesota Tim Walz attends a rally in Liacouras Center at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA on August 6, 2024 as he was introduced by Vice President Kamala Harris as running mate
Smith, who has served in the Senate since 2018, said in a video announcing her decision that “after 20 years of hard and rewarding work in the public sector, I’m ready to spend more time with my family.”
“We’re more than ready to take up the mantle of this seat, and all that will have to get worked out,” Smith told reporters at the Capitol earlier this week, adding that she wanted to announce her decision early in order to give other candidates plenty of time to jump in the race.w
Smith is the second incumbent Democrat to announce her retirement in 2026, following a similar announcement from Senator Gary Peters of Michigan.The Michigan seat is one of two pure toss-up seats on the 2026 map, the other being Georgia, where incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff will be attempting to hold off a likely challenge from current Governor Brian Kemp.
Smith’s decision to retire took some Democrats by surprise, though the party will more more confident in its ability to hold the seat as opposed to their chances in Michigan. The retiring senator was initially seen as a placeholder after Al Franken was forced to resign over sexual harassment allegations in 2018.
Walz’s decision to run for the seat has not yet been confirmed, as his office declined to offer a comment when approached by Politico. If he did choose to run he would be the odds-on favorite for the Democratic primary due to his name recognition and popularity in the blue state.
Additional candidates include Reps. Angie Craig and Kelly Morrison, while state Attorney General Keith Ellison has also expressed interest in a bid. Franken, who has long expressed regret over his decision to resign, is another potential candidate.
