Minnesota is not one of the traditional swing states, but Republicans believe they could make it competitive after President Donald Trump came within roughly 4% of winning the state in 2024. Democrats, who have held the seat since 2009, are looking to continue to hold on to the seat beyond 2026, with several names being reported as candidates to replace Smith in the Senate.

Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN)

Walz was former Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate in the 2024 presidential election, but after losing that election, he could have another path to Washington, D.C.

The Minnesota governor was first elected in 2018 but is considering a run for the open Senate seat, according to Politico. Walz could run for a third term as governor in 2026, as there are no term limits imposed on the office.

Walz won his 2018 gubernatorial race, 53.8%-42.4%, and he won reelection in 2022, 52.3%-44.6%.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (D-MN)

Flanagan has served as Walz’s lieutenant governor since being first elected in 2018. She already announced on social media that she intends to seek the open seat.

“I love Minnesota and my intention is to run for U.S. Senate and continue to serve the people of this state. I’ll make a formal announcement later this month. In the meantime, I’m talking with community and family and friends. I will have more to say soon,” Flanagan said Thursday.

Flanagan served as a member of the state House before being elected lieutenant governor and would be the first female Native American senator if elected. The only Native American currently serving in the Senate is Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN)

Omar, a firebrand House Democrat who is part of the “Squad,” is another name being floated as a candidate for Smith’s seat.

She was first elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, which includes Minneapolis and a significant part of its surrounding area. Omar survived two primary challenges in 2022 and 2024, and a spokesperson for her told Axios she would be talking with constituents about the future of Smith’s seat.

“Congresswoman Omar will be talking with Minnesotans about the future of Tina’s senate seat and DFL party in Minnesota,” the spokesperson told the outlet in a statement.

Among the other contenders speculated to run is Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), who has billed herself as a centrist House Democrat. She is receiving encouragement from people in Minnesota and nationally, according to a report from Politico.

The seat will likely garner increased Republican interest, with it being an open seat rather than against an incumbent. The Cook Political Report had rated the seat as “likely Democrat” before Smith announced she would not seek another term.

“Minnesota is in play, and we play to win. Minnesotans deserve a Senator who will fight for lower taxes, economic opportunity, and safer communities,” Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said in a statement.

Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) was seemingly quick to rule himself out of the race. However, he posted on X, “I am focused on doing the job I was elected to do and that is serving the great people of Minnesota’s Sixth District here in Congress. We have a lot of work to do to implement President Trump’s agenda and that’s where I’m concentrating my efforts.”