Democratic U.S. Senator Tina Smith said she will not seek re-election in 2026, which leaves an open seat in moderately competitive Minnesota and complicates her party's hopes of winning back control of the chamber in the midterm elections.

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan made clear she plans to run. She will likely face several other Democrats.

Minn., will not seek reelection in 2026. The junior senator from Minnesota first won her seat in 2018 in a special election. Smith won reelection and a full six-year term two years later. Now, she says she's "ready to spend more time with (her) family.