Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will not run for the open Senate seat in 2026, opting instead to seek a third term as governor. His spokesman confirmed Walz’s commitment to his gubernatorial role, aiming to enhance Minnesota for children. This decision initiates a competitive primary for the Senate seat vacated by Senator Tina Smith. Walz, who gained prominence during the 2020 vice-presidential campaign, leaves the Senate race open for other candidates, including his lieutenant governor, Peggy Flanagan. Various Democrats and Republicans are eyeing the Senate seat, while no candidates have emerged for the gubernatorial race so far.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who previously gained prominence as the Democratic vice presidential nominee last year, has announced that he will not pursue his state’s vacant Senate seat in 2026. Instead, he plans to initiate steps toward running for a third term as governor, as confirmed by his spokesperson on Wednesday.
“Governor Walz is not seeking a position in the United States Senate,” stated Teddy Tschann, Mr. Walz’s spokesperson. “He is passionate about his role as governor and is considering another term to further his efforts in making Minnesota the best state for children.”
By not entering the race to succeed Senator Tina Smith, a fellow Minnesota Democrat who is stepping down in 2026, Mr. Walz essentially opens up the primary for the Senate seat, which may become competitive if Republicans nominate a well-funded candidate.
This decision also places Mr. Walz, known for his “Midwestern dad” appeal and football-coach background when he and Vice President Kamala Harris challenged Donald J. Trump, in a favorable position to possibly run in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. In a recent interview with a Dutch television outlet, Mr. Walz indicated that he was “not ruling out” a presidential bid.
By concentrating on re-election, Mr. Walz can sidestep what would have likely turned into a contentious Senate primary against his lieutenant governor, Peggy Flanagan, who declared her candidacy for the position last week. Mr. Walz and Ms. Flanagan, who have shared a political partnership for two decades, experienced a rift regarding shared campaign finances upon Mr. Walz’s return from the presidential campaign trail.
Other Minnesota Democrats are currently contemplating runs for Ms. Smith’s Senate seat, including Keith Ellison, the state attorney general, Representatives Angie Craig and Ilhan Omar, and Melissa Hortman, the leader of the Minnesota House Democrats. It is not anticipated that Mr. Walz will support any candidate in the upcoming primary.
On the Republican front, Royce White, a former professional basketball player who lost to Senator Amy Klobuchar in the 2024 Senate race, has announced his intention to run, along with Adam Schwarze, a former Navy SEAL. Additionally, Michelle Tafoya, a former sports broadcaster who has gained visibility in right-wing media, has expressed interest in joining the race for the Senate seat.
As of now, there are no declared candidates for the governorship of Minnesota. Mr. Walz won his general elections in 2018 and 2022 with ease, though the state has shown close margins in two of the last three presidential elections.