WASHINGTON ― Former Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, is exploring running in 2026 for the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacated by Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., a source close to Walz said.
His consideration of a Senate bid follows Smith’s announcement Thursday that she will not seek a second term for a seat she’s held since winning a special election in 2018.
Walz, whose second term for governor ends in 2027, is also considering running in 2026 for a third gubernatorial term, the source said. Minnesota does not have term limits for governor.
More: ‘Entirely personal’: Democrat Tina Smith to not seek reelection in 2026
Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz takes the stage to give an acceptance speech during the third day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center.
Smith’s announcement came weeks after another Midwest Democratic senator, Gary Peters of Michigan, also bowed out of seeking reelection in 2026. The moves complicate an already tough climb for Democrats to reclaim control of the Senate.
Walz, 60, was chosen as the vice presidential running-mate of Vice President Kamala Harris shortly after she emerged last July as the new Democratic presidential nominee following President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the race.
The Harris campaign played up Walz’s working-class roots, background in the National Guard and experiences as a school teacher and football coach in the 2024 election won by President Donald Trump. Before being elected as Minnesota governor in 2018, Walz served as a Minnesota congressman from 2007 to 2019.
Several other Minnesota Democrats are also in the mix to seek the party’s nomination in the 2026 Senate race. Shortly after Smith went public with her decision, the state’s lieutenant governor, Peggy Flanagan, announced on social media that she plans to run for Senate. Minnesota U.S. Reps. Ilhan Omar and Angie Craig have also been floated as possible contenders.
Contributing: Savannah Kuchar. Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tim Walz considering 2026 run for US Senate in Minnesota
