MINNEAPOLIS –U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, of Minnesota, announced Thursday that she would not be running for re-election in 2020. This leaves another Democrat-held position open before the midterm elections of 2026.
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced her intention to run for the Senate not long after Smith made his declaration. Peggy Flanagan declared her intention to run in the Senate.
This job has been an honor for a lifetime. Smith stated in a social media video that he would work hard for Minnesotans as well as our country during the remainder of his term.
Smith stated in the video that “this decision was not political; it was entirely personal.”
She added, “After working in the public sector for 20 years I am ready to spend time with my family.”
Smith stated that she will “use every day” of the remaining term to “work as hard as possible to represent your interest in the United States Senate, and to make sure your voices are heard.”
She added that “we have an abundance of political talent here in Minnesota – a group of people who are ready to take on the challenge and move us forward. I am excited to create space for them to do so.”
Flanagan made her announcement on social media. She said she would make an official announcement at the end of this month. She also praised Smith’s work at the Senate.
“Senator Smith paved the path for many women, including myself, throughout her career. She is a fierce advocate for the people of Minnesota. Flanagan stated, “She has fought for small business, farmers and those who have been overlooked to give them a fair chance at economic success.” “Senator Smith has a heart of an organizer. She knows that we are all better off when everyone is at the table. Thank you, Tina, for your leadership. “I look forward to our continued work together for Minnesotans.”
Last month, Democratic Michigan Senator Gary Peters announced that he would not seek re-election. This opened up a crucial seat in a battleground State.
Smith’s background and path to Senate
Smith is the current U.S. Senator. She was appointed after the former senator resigned. Al Franken was forced to resign due to sexual harassment allegations. In November, she defeated Republican Karin Housley and was elected again in 2020. Smith was the lieutenant governor of Minnesota under Gov. Mark Dayton before becoming a senator. Mark Dayton. She was also chief of staff to both Dayton as well as Mayor R.T. Rybak.
Smith, born in New Mexico, moved to Minnesota in 1985. She worked for General Mills before entering politics and later became an executive with Planned Parenthood.
Smith’s co-workers react
Amy Klobuchar (Smith’s Minnesotan compatriot) released the following statement.
It’s been an honor to work with Senator Tina Smith. It’s a privilege to be able to call Tina Smith not only a friend, but also a colleague. Tina and I were friends long before we worked together in the Senate. We’ve watched our kids grow and have been there to support each other in life’s highs and lows. Tina, the only senator to have worked for Planned Parenthood in Washington, quickly rose to the top of the women’s rights movement. Tina bravely shared the story of her life as she worked to improve mental health services in America. She was given the nickname the velvet hammer for her quiet, but effective style of governance. Tina and I are going to continue working together for two more years. But our friendship will endure forever. ”
Franken thanked Smith for her work on social media.
Franken stated, “She has worked tirelessly to improve their lives at every stage of her career and served them admirably in the U.S. Senate.” As DFLers, it is a great privilege to have such a strong bench of people who follow the words of Paul Wellstone: We all benefit when we do well. I am looking forward to supporting our nominee to represent Minnesotans at the United Nations in Washington.
Heidi Kraus Kaplan, Executive Director of the Minnesota DFL Party, said that “nobody has fought more for Minnesotans or our values than Tina Smith.”
Kraus Kaplan stated that Tina was a tireless champion of the DFL principle, “We all benefit when we do better together.” The DFL will continue to work tirelessly, as Tina has done to ensure her successor shares the same commitment to Minnesota values.
Minnesota GOP Chairman Alex Plechash stated that Smith’s choice creates an opening for Republicans to gain the seat.
Plechash stated that Tina Smith “saw the political reality coming” — Minnesotans were fed up with failed and radical policies by the Biden Administration and the Minnesota Democratic Party. Smith endorsed Biden’s destructive agenda at every turn, from rising costs, to crime surging, to failing schools, or reckless overtaxation. Her decision to not run for office is further proof that Democrats are aware they cannot defend their record by 2026. The Minnesota GOP has built the infrastructure for victory in 2026. This is a chance to flip the Senate seat and add to the growing Republican majorities. It’s also a chance to ensure Minnesota families are represented in Washington by ensuring they have a voice that represents them.”
Erin Murphy, the Minnesota Senate Majority Leader, called Smith “a fierce presence in the United States Senate”.
Murphy said, “I depend on her discerning bravery and steadfast partner in our daily fight for Minnesotans.” “I’m happy for Tina and Archie and their families, and I am committed to our continuing work together.”
Rep. Angie Craig (a Democrat) said Smith was “a true servant of the public.”
Craig stated that “her work to reduce the cost of drugs, expand access to mental healthcare, combat the effects of climate changes and expand economic opportunities in rural Minnesota will have a lasting impact for generations.” As women continue to fight against attacks on their reproductive rights across the nation, her voice in the Senate will be crucial over the next two-years.
