Minnesota Senator's Announcement Just Made Democrats' Job Tougher

U.S. Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota said Thursday that she won't seek reelection, dealing a blow to her fellow Democrats' hopes of retaking the Senate in 2026.

Why It Matters

There are currently 47 Democrats to the 53 Republicans in the Senate. Without the majority, the Democratic Party has already been seen struggling to pass their own bills or approve—or deny for that matter—people President Donald Trump nominated for his Cabinet. With Republicans in control, the president's party is able to block and delay key Democratic proposals, and they also control committee leadership with influence over the legislative process. Overall, this leads the Democratic Party to be forced to rely on negotiations and compromises from the Republican Party.

What To Know

Smith made the announcement on a video posted to social media. The 66-year-old said she wants to spend more time with her family after 20 years of work in the public sector.

"This decision is not political. It is entirely personal," Smith said. "But it's not lost on me that our country is in need of strong, progressive leadership right now, maybe more than ever."

Smith said she plans to use the two years left in her term working to represent Minnesota's interests in the Senate without having to worry about running for reelection.

"We have a deep bench of political talent in Minnesota, a group of leaders that are more than ready to pick up the work and carry us forward," she said. "And I'm excited to make room for them to move forward."

She said her decision, which comes after "20 years of hard and rewarding work in the public sector," Smith is ready to spend more time with her family. Smith has four grandchildren, and her father will be turning 95 this year.

"One of my great joys is to know that I have time to spend more time with them, doing sleep overs and helping out from time to time when the kids need me," Smith said.

Smith was elected to her first full term with 48.74 percent of the vote in 2020 after she won a special election in 2018 to complete the term of former Senator Al Franken, who had resigned amid sexual harassment allegations.

As of January 17, Inside Elections suggests that the upcoming Senate election for Minnesota is "solid Democrat." The Cook Political Report from February 11 indicates it's "likely Democrat."

What People Are Saying

Dr. Leah Stokes, a professor of climate and energy policy at the University of California Santa Barbara, in the comments to Smith's video: "Thank you Senator! Your leadership has been exceptional and you will be sorely missed."

Liberacrat, an account that says it is dedicated to "exposing the abundant lies and hypocrisy of the liberal media," on X: "Translation: Trump took a wrecking-ball to every agency we funneled money out of and now that the wells are all dry, there is no point in being a public servant, unless you plan on doing your job and actually serving the public."

MN Republicans Northland Edition, on X: "Thank you!"

What's Next

The next Senate election in Minnesota will be held on November 3, 2026. Former professional basketball player Royce White commented on Smith's post "Royce White for U.S. Senate Minnesota 2026!"

Reporting by The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Update: 2/13/25, 11:55 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.