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Smith originally took the seat in 2018 when then-Governor Mark Dayton appointed her as a replacement for disgraced Senator Al Franken. Franken was forced out after radio broadcaster and model Leeann Tweeden accused him of unwanted kissing during a USO tour in 2006. A damning photo of Franken pretending to grope Tweeden while she was asleep sealed his fate.
Despite Minnesota leaning blue, Smith’s retirement suggests Democrats are bracing for tough Senate battles ahead. Many believe the party will be in the minority until at least 2030.
Of course, Smith denied politics played a role in her decision—a claim that practically guarantees it did.
“This decision is not political, it’s entirely personal,” Smith insisted. “But it’s not lost on me that our country is in need of strong progressive leadership right now, maybe more than ever.”
Smith also praised the next generation of Democrat hopefuls, hinting at an intense primary battle ahead.
With Smith stepping down, the race for her seat is wide open, and ambitious Democrats are already lining up. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a longtime ally of the Biden administration, is reportedly considering a run.
“Tim Walz is considering a Senate run & has not ruled it out, according to a person close to the Governor,” POLITICO’s Elena Schneider reported.
Typically, a sitting governor eyeing a Senate seat would clear out major challengers. But not this time.
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has already thrown her hat in the ring.
“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 posted on social media.
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The Democrat establishment seemed to have its candidates locked in.
And then Ilhan Omar entered the picture.
The radical Minnesota Congresswoman is now considering jumping into the race, a move that could completely upend the primary.
“Congresswoman Omar will be talking with Minnesotans about future of Tina’s Senate seat and DFL party in Minnesota,” Omar’s spokesman, Connor McNutt, told Axios.
Omar’s potential entry into the race changes everything. If Walz and Flanagan both run, they could split the establishment vote, leaving Omar a clear path to victory with support from the progressive base.
But that would be a nightmare scenario for Democrats.
If Omar wins the nomination, Republicans will smell blood in the water.
Minnesota remains a blue state, but Donald Trump made major inroads there, winning the highest percentage of GOP votes in a generation. A radical candidate like Omar could make this seat competitive in 2026.
Republicans would welcome the fight.
If Democrats hand the nomination to Omar, they might as well start planning their concession speech now.
COME ON NOW..I thought that this terrorist loving traitor Omar was being deported!!