Tina Smith announces retirement, expanding 2026 Senate map – Washington Examiner
Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) announced her retirement from the Senate, effective in 2026, presenting a challenge for Democrats as they must defend another seat in the upcoming midterm elections. Smith has served in the Senate since 2018, after being appointed to replace Al Franken. She emphasized that her decision was personal,motivated by a desire to spend more time with her grandchildren in Minneapolis,rather than political reasons. Her retirement comes at a time when Democrats are already facing difficulties defending seats in swing states; last month, Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) also decided not to seek re-election. Smith’s departure might bolster Republican chances of maintaining their Senate majority, as the political landscape continues to shift. The retirement has sparked interest among potential Democratic candidates, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Tina Smith announces retirement, expanding 2026 Senate map
Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) announced she will retire from the Senate in 2026, forcing Democrats to defend another seat in the midterm elections.
Minnesota is a Democratic-leaning state, with Smith winning a full term in 2020 by 5 points against her Republican challenger. But her decision to retire will force the party to stretch its resources even further across the map without an incumbent in a growing number of swing states.
Last month, Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) also announced he will not run for another term in Michigan, a perennial battleground.
Smith said her own decision to retire was not driven by political calculations, citing a desire to spend more time with her grandchildren in Minneapolis. She has served in the Senate since 2018, when she was appointed to replace scandal-plagued Sen. Al Franken.
“This decision is not political. It is entirely personal,” she said in a video announcing her retirement.
Smith’s retirement buoys Republican hopes of maintaining their Senate majority next year. They have a less favorable map than the 2024 elections, when they picked up four seats.
But several vulnerable GOP incumbents plan to run for reelection, including Sen. Thom Tillis in North Carolina and Susan Collins in Maine.
In Minnesota, Smith’s retirement has already sparked Democratic jockeying for her seat. Gov. Tim Walz, the sitting governor who ran for vice president in the 2024 election, is among those considering a run, according to Politico.
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