2026 United States Senate election in Minnesota ← 2020 November 3, 2026 2032 →
The2026 United States Senate election in Minnesota will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect a member of theUnited States Senate to represent the state ofMinnesota , concurrently withother elections to the U.S. Senate,elections to theUnited States House of Representatives , and otherstate and local elections .Primary elections will be held on August 11, 2026. IncumbentDemocratic SenatorTina Smith is not seeking election to a second full term. Smith was elected to her first full term with 48.74% of the vote in2020 after winning a special election in2018 to complete the term of former SenatorAl Franken , who resigned amid sexual harassment allegations.[ 1] [ 2]
This will be the first U.S. Senate election in Minnesota without an incumbent since2006 .[ 3]
Minnesota is considered a slightly to moderatelyblue state at the federal and state levels.Kamala Harris won it by four percentage points in the2024 presidential election , and the last time a Republican won a statewide race was in2006 , whenTim Pawlenty was narrowly reelected governor over DFL nomineeMike Hatch . The most recent Senate election, in2024 , saw DFL incumbentAmy Klobuchar defeat RepublicanRoyce White by nearly 16 points.[ 4] 2020 , saw Smith defeat Republican nomineeJason Lewis by five points.[ 5] Mark Dayton originally nominated Smith to the seat after incumbentAl Franken resigned; she had been Dayton's lieutenant governor.[ 6] 2018 .[ 7]
Democrats have had considerably more success in the state in recent years.[citation needed They control all statewide offices, bothU.S. Senate seats , and the minimum majority in theMinnesota Senate , while theMinnesota House of Representatives and theU.S. House delegation are both evenly split.[ 8] [ 9]
Abou Amara, a DFL lawyer and political analyst, told Axios that the "once in a generation" opportunity to win an open U.S. Senate seat will likely fuel a competitive and damaging DFL primary battle between "A-level talent across the ideological spectrum" of the Democratic party.[ 10]
[ edit ] Melvin Carter ,mayor ofSaint Paul (2017–present)(running for reelection , endorsed Flanagan) [ 15] [ 16] Keith Ellison ,Minnesota Attorney General (2019–present) and former U.S. representative forMinnesota's 5th congressional district (running for reelection , endorsed Flanagan) [ 17] Al Franken , former U.S. senator (2009–2018)[ 15] (endorsed Flanagan) [ 18] Jacob Frey ,mayor ofMinneapolis (2018–present)(running for reelection ) [ 19] Andrew Luger , formerU.S. Attorney for theDistrict of Minnesota (2014–2017, 2022–2025)[ 20] Ilhan Omar , U.S. representative forMinnesota's 5th congressional district (running for reelection ) [ 21] Kelly Morrison , U.S. representative forMinnesota's 3rd congressional district [ 22] Dean Phillips , former U.S. Representative fromMinnesota's 3rd congressional district candidate for president in2024 [ 15] (endorsed Craig) [ 23] Steve Simon ,Minnesota Secretary of State (2015–present)[ 24] Tina Smith , incumbent U.S. senator (2018–present)[ 2] Tim Walz ,governor of Minnesota (2019–present) and nominee for vice president in2024 [ 25] (running for reelection ) [ 26] Angie Craig
U.S. senators U.S. representatives Labor unions Organizations Individuals Peggy Flanagan
Executive branch officials U.S. senators Statewide officials State senators State representatives Mary Frances Clardy ,state representative from district 53A (2023–present)[ 43] Nathan Coulter , district 51B (2023–present)[ 44] Brion Curran , district 36B (2023–present)[ 44] Leigh Finke , district 66A (2023-present)[ 45] Cedrick Frazier , district 43A (2021–present)[ 42] Emma Greenman , district 63B (2021–present)[ 42] Jessica Hanson , district 55A (2021–present)[ 43] Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger , district 47B (2023–present)[ 44] Athena Hollins , district 66B (2021–present)[ 44] Heather Keeler , district 4A (2021–present)[ 44] Larry Kraft , district 46A (2023–present)[ 44] Jamie Long , district 61B (2019–present)[ 44] Kristi Pursell , district 58A (2023–present)[ 43] Local officials Labor unions Organizations Declined to endorse
U.S. senators U.S. representatives Statewide officials Italics indicate a withdrawn candidate.
Campaign finance reports forQ3 Tooltip Fiscal quarter , 2025 Candidate Raised Spent Cash on hand Angie Craig (DFL) $4,688,414 $1,735,015 $2,953,399 Peggy Flanagan (DFL) $2,283,671 $1,447,978 $835,693 Melisa López Franzen (DFL) $299,376 $299,376 $0 Source:Federal Election Commission [ 52]
Poll source Date(s) Sample[ a] Margin Angie Peggy Undecided Public Policy Polling (D)[ 53] February 14–15, 2025 668 (LV) – 22% 52% 27%
Jim Nash , state representative from district 48A (2015–present)[ 59] Kathleen Fowke, real estate agent, wife ofXcel Energy CEOBen Fowke , and nominee for Minnesota's 45th Senate district in2022 and2024 [ 59] Ryan Wilson, attorney and nominee for state auditor in2022 [ 60] Willie Burton , formerNBA player[ 59] Julia Coleman , state senator from the 48th district (2021–present) and daughter-in-law of former U.S. SenatorNorm Coleman [ 61] Lisa Demuth ,speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives (2025–present) from district 13A (2019–present)[ 62] Zach Duckworth , state senator from the 57th district (2021–present)[ 63] Tom Emmer , U.S. representative fromMinnesota's 6th congressional district governor in2010 [ 64] Mike Lindell , CEO ofMy Pillow , advisor to presidentDonald Trump , and candidate forRNC chair in2023 (endorsed White) [ 65] Chris Madel, attorney who representedRyan Londregan [ 66] Tim Pawlenty , formergovernor of Minnesota (2003–2011) andcandidate for president in2012 [ 15] Pete Stauber , U.S. representative fromMinnesota's 8th congressional district [ 67] Campaign finance reports forQ3 Tooltip Fiscal quarter , 2025 Candidate Raised Spent Cash on hand Ray Petersen (R) $104 $104 $0 Adam Schwarze (R) $480,698 $312,783 $167,915 Tom Weiler (R) $52,778 $242 $54,297 Royce White (R) $393,143 $426,798 $105,170 Source:Federal Election Commission [ 52]
Marisa Simonetti, business owner[ 68] Hypothetical polling
Angie Craig vs. Generic Republican
Poll source Date(s) Sample[ a] Margin Angie Generic Undecided Public Policy Polling [ 73] September 15–16, 2025 1,015 (V) — 47% 43% 10%
Peggy Flanagan vs. Generic Republican
Poll source Date(s) Sample[ a] Margin Peggy Generic Undecided Public Policy Polling [ 73] September 15–16, 2025 1,015 (V) — 46% 44% 10%
^a b c Key: ^ Stolberg, Sheryl; Alcindor, Yamiche; Fandos, Nicholas (December 7, 2017)."Senator Al Franken to Resign From Senate amid Harassment Allegations" .New York Times .Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. RetrievedFebruary 14, 2025 . ^a b Bakst, Brian (February 13, 2025)."Sen. Tina Smith won't seek reelection in 2026, putting Minnesota seat up for grabs" .MPR News .Archived from the original on April 15, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 13, 2025 . ^ Masters, Clay (February 14, 2025)."An open Minnesota Senate seat is enticing to plenty but unclear how many will take plunge" .MPR News .Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. RetrievedMarch 1, 2025 . ^ "Minnesota Senate Election 2024 Live Results: Amy Klobuchar Wins" .www.nbcnews.com . RetrievedFebruary 20, 2025 .^ "Minnesota U.S. Senate Election Results" .The New York Times . November 3, 2020.ISSN 0362-4331 . RetrievedFebruary 20, 2025 .^ Rao, Maya (January 3, 2018)."Al Franken submits resignation letter to Senate; Tina Smith ready to step in" .www.startribune.com . RetrievedFebruary 20, 2025 . ^ "Minnesota U.S. Senate Special Election Results" .The New York Times . January 28, 2019.ISSN 0362-4331 .Archived from the original on February 6, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 20, 2025 .^ "Party Control of the Minnesota House of Representatives - Minnesota Legislative Reference Library" .www.lrl.mn.gov .Archived from the original on February 8, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 20, 2025 .^ "Party Control of the Minnesota Senate - Minnesota Legislative Reference Library" .www.lrl.mn.gov .Archived from the original on March 6, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 20, 2025 .^ Van Oot, Torey (April 29, 2025)."Minnesota's U.S. Senate race just got more crowded" .Axios .Archived from the original on May 14, 2025. RetrievedMay 12, 2025 . ^ "Rep. Angie Craig launches Senate run in Minnesota ahead of a competitive Democratic primary" .NBC News . April 29, 2025.Archived from the original on April 29, 2025. RetrievedApril 29, 2025 .^ Fortinsky, Sarah (February 20, 2025)."Minnesota lieutenant governor launches Senate bid" .The Hill . RetrievedFebruary 20, 2025 . ^ "FEC Form 2 for Report FEC-1883349" .docquery.fec.gov .Archived from the original on April 1, 2025. RetrievedMay 19, 2025 .^ "Former state legislator López Franzen ends campaign for U.S. Senate" .Minnesota Public Radio Archived from the original on May 17, 2025. RetrievedMay 17, 2025 .^a b c d e Bierschbach, Briana; Faircloth, Ryan (February 13, 2025)."Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan announces run for U.S. Senate, Rep. Ilhan Omar considering" .Minnesota Star Tribune Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 14, 2025 . ^a b Bardwell, Neely (May 13, 2025)."Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Gets Sen. Warren's Endorsement for US Senate" .Native News Online .Archived from the original on May 13, 2025. RetrievedMay 13, 2025 . ^a b Masters, Clay (March 31, 2025)."AG Keith Ellison won't run for U.S. Senate, backs Flanagan for DFL nod" .Minnesota Public Radio Archived from the original on March 31, 2025. RetrievedMarch 31, 2025 . ^a b McShane, Michael (April 10, 2025)."Former Minnesota Senator Al Franken endorses Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for senate seat" .KFYR-TV Archived from the original on April 10, 2025. RetrievedApril 10, 2025 . ^ "Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announces final re-election bid" .Fox 9 News . January 29, 2025.Archived from the original on June 19, 2025. RetrievedJune 19, 2025 .^ "A look at who might run for Sen. Tina Smith's seat in the Senate" .Minnesota Public Radio Archived from the original on February 15, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 20, 2025 .^ Solender, Andrew; Van Oot, Torey (April 10, 2025)."Ilhan Omar to run for reelection, not Senate, in 2026" .Axios . RetrievedApril 10, 2025 . ^ Wu, Nicholas; Mutnick, Ally (February 27, 2025)."Walz announcement clears way for Angie Craig in Minnesota Senate race" .Politico . RetrievedFebruary 27, 2025 .One name to cross off the list of potential candidates: first-term Democratic Rep. Kelly Morrison, who said in a brief interview she was staying put ^ Kassel, Matthew (February 19, 2025)."Minnesota Senate race turning into proxy battle between moderates and progressives" .Jewish Insider . RetrievedFebruary 20, 2025 . ^a b Kashiwagi, Sydney (May 7, 2025)."Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon won't run for U.S. Senate" .Minnesota Star Tribune Archived from the original on May 7, 2025. RetrievedMay 7, 2025 . ^ Van Oot, Torey (February 26, 2025)."Gov. Tim Walz rules out run for U.S. Senate" .Axios . RetrievedMay 12, 2025 . ^ Ferguson, Dana (September 16, 2025)."Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will pursue 3rd term, could face tough fight to keep job" .Minnesota Public Radio . RetrievedSeptember 16, 2025 . ^ "U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Endorses Angie Craig for Senate" .Punchbowl News . June 23, 2025.Archived from the original on August 5, 2025. RetrievedJune 24, 2025 .^ Kapur, Sahil (June 10, 2025)."Sen. Ruben Gallego endorses Rep. Angie Craig in Minnesota Senate primary" .NBC News .Archived from the original on June 10, 2025. RetrievedJune 10, 2025 . ^ Vakil, Caroline (June 11, 2025)."Andy Kim endorses Angie Craig in Minnesota Senate race" .The Hill . RetrievedJune 11, 2025 . ^ Aigner, Grace (May 2, 2025)."Rep. Angie Craig announces U.S. Senate campaign" .Archived from the original on June 14, 2025. RetrievedJune 24, 2025 . ^a b c "Equality PAC Endorses Congresswoman Angie Craig for U.S. Senate" . April 30, 2025.Archived from the original on May 13, 2025. RetrievedMay 2, 2025 .^ "AFGE Endorses Rep. Angie Craig for U.S. Senate" . May 1, 2025.Archived from the original on May 19, 2025. RetrievedMay 2, 2025 .^ Olson, Blois (June 5, 2025)."morning take - Legislature Shrinks Electric Vehicle Incentives" .The Daily Agenda .Archived from the original on June 23, 2025. RetrievedJune 11, 2025 . ^ "AIPAC Political Portal" .Archived from the original on July 29, 2022. RetrievedMay 2, 2025 .^ "LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Endorses Angie Craig for U.S. Senate, 26 Local Candidates" .LGBTQ+ Victory Fund . August 19, 2025.Archived from the original on August 21, 2025. RetrievedAugust 19, 2025 .^ "LPAC Endorses Angie Craig for Senate, 7 Local Candidates" .LPAC . May 13, 2025.Archived from the original on May 25, 2025. RetrievedMay 25, 2025 .^ Cohen, Max (April 30, 2025)."Day 101: Big tests for Trump's economic agenda" .Punchbowl News . RetrievedApril 30, 2025 . ^ "Deb Haaland Endorses Peggy Flanagan for U.S. Senate: "She Has the Guts, Smarts, and Determination to Make Real Change" .Native News Online . June 5, 2025.Archived from the original on June 13, 2025. RetrievedJune 15, 2025 .^ Jurgens, Paul."Flanagan secures endorsement of Sen. Ed Markey" .KFGO . RetrievedSeptember 15, 2025 . ^ "Warren endorses Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota Senate race" . May 13, 2025.Archived from the original on May 13, 2025. RetrievedMay 13, 2025 .^ Olson, Blois (April 9, 2025)."morning take: Tariff Tumult Takes Hold in Minnesota" .The Daily Agenda .Archived from the original on April 27, 2025. RetrievedApril 9, 2025 .Today, Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha endorsed Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan's bid for U.S. Senate. ^a b c Olson, Blois."lunch take - Emmer Peppers Walz on Immigration" .The Daily Agenda .Archived from the original on June 12, 2025. RetrievedJune 12, 2025 .Today, the Chairs of the Minnesota Senate and House Inclusive Democracy Caucus...threw their full support behind Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan's U.S. Senate campaign. ^a b c d e McVan, Madison (April 24, 2025)."With Craig signaling Senate run, Mike Norton edges closer to bid for CD2" .Minnesota Reformer Archived from the original on April 24, 2025. RetrievedApril 24, 2025 . ^a b c d e f g Olson, Blois (April 28, 2025)."morning take - Craig Set to Announce Tuesday" . The Daily Agenda.Archived from the original on May 19, 2025. RetrievedApril 28, 2025 . ^ Coolican, J. Patrick (May 24, 2025)."Weekend Reformer" .Minnesota Reformer . RetrievedMay 24, 2025 . ^ SEIU MN State Council (September 24, 2025)."SEIU Minnesota State Council Endorse Peggy Flanagan for U.S. Senate" .facebook . RetrievedSeptember 25, 2025 . ^ "BREAKING: UFCW Local 663 is proud to be the first union to endorse Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan for the United States Senate!" .www.facebook.com . UFCW Local 663. June 5, 2025. RetrievedJune 15, 2025 .^ "Vote Mama PAC | Candidates" .Vote Mama PAC .Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. RetrievedApril 30, 2025 .^a b Cohen, Max (June 5, 2025)."Craig, Flanagan want to bring the fight to D.C." Punchbowl News . Punchbowl News.Archived from the original on August 16, 2025. RetrievedAugust 7, 2025 . ^ Kashiwagi, Sydney (May 7, 2025)."Morning Hot Dish - Steve Simon passes on Senate run but may be considering gov bid" .Minnesota Star Tribune . RetrievedJune 18, 2025 .Rep. Kelly Morrison also told me she won't endorse in the primary. ^ Ferguson, Dana (February 26, 2025)."Gov. Tim Walz officially rules out a run for U.S. Senate" .Minnesota Public Radio . RetrievedAugust 23, 2025 .And he told MPR News that he's not planning to endorse another DFLer for the post. ^a b "2026 Election United States Senate - Minnesota" .fec.gov .Federal Election Commission .Archived from the original on March 16, 2025. RetrievedOctober 19, 2025 .^ Nir, David (February 20, 2025)."Morning Digest: Liberal candidates run up the vote in Wisconsin primaries" .The Downballot .Archived from the original on February 20, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 20, 2025 . ^ Frey, Josh (February 13, 2025)."Adam Schwarze announces candidacy for U.S. Senate in Minnesota to replace Tina Smith" .KAAL-TV Archived from the original on February 15, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 13, 2025 . ^ Brown, Kyle (August 11, 2025)."Navy veteran Tom Weiler to seek Republican nomination for open U.S. Senate seat" .KSTP-TV Archived from the original on August 20, 2025. RetrievedAugust 11, 2025 . ^ "GRUENHAGEN, ALYCIA - Candidate overview" .FEC.gov . January 1, 2019. RetrievedOctober 26, 2025 .^ "PETERSEN, RAYMOND DAVID - Candidate overview" .FEC.gov . January 1, 2019.Archived from the original on May 4, 2025. RetrievedMay 4, 2025 .^ "RUOHO, MIKE - Candidate overview" .FEC.gov . January 1, 2019.Archived from the original on May 4, 2025. RetrievedMay 4, 2025 .^a b c Kashiwagi, Sydney (October 20, 2025)."Republicans struggle to find candidate for open Minnesota U.S. Senate race" .Minnesota Star Tribune the original on October 20, 2025. RetrievedOctober 20, 2025 . ^ Radelat, Ana (August 7, 2025)."GOP is underdog in Minn. senate race, but here's who's trying to flip seat" .Minnesota Post Archived from the original on August 14, 2025. RetrievedAugust 14, 2025 . ^ "Julia Coleman won't run for Minnesota's open U.S. Senate seat but could for governor" .Bring Me The News . July 8, 2025. RetrievedJuly 9, 2025 .^ Maurice, Jim (February 21, 2025)."Minnesota Speaker Of The House Rules Out Run for U.S. Senate" .WJON . RetrievedFebruary 21, 2025 . ^ Svitek, Patrick; Kornfield, Meryl; Bogage, Jacob; Dent, Alec (February 18, 2025)."Ken Martin's first big trip as DNC chair" .The Washington Post Archived from the original on February 24, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 18, 2025 .In a post Saturday on X, state Sen. Zach Duckworth (R) ruled himself out of the [Senate] race ^ Gans, Jared (February 13, 2025)."Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith announces she won't seek reelection in 2026" .The Hill Archived from the original on February 13, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 13, 2025 . ^a b Kite, Allison (July 25, 2025)."What went wrong in Minnesota's 'groundbreaking' Housing Stabilization Services program?" .Minnesota Star Tribune . RetrievedJuly 28, 2025 . ^ Nir, David (February 19, 2025)."Morning Digest: Democrats land a major name in one of the few 'Harris-Republican' House districts" .The Downballot . RetrievedFebruary 19, 2025 .Two more Republicans, state Sen. Zach Duckworth and attorney Chris Madel, each took their names out of contention for the Senate race. ^ Raatsi, Hayley (February 19, 2025)."EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Pete Stauber not running for U.S. Senate" .KBJR-TV Archived from the original on February 19, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 19, 2025 . ^ Sudak, Stuart (March 29, 2025)."Simonetti launches U.S. Senate bid as legal case lingers" .Eden Prairie Local News .Archived from the original on May 4, 2025. RetrievedMay 4, 2025 .Simonetti said she is running for the Senate as an independent and is "allowing the steps to unfold," suggesting she has not ruled out seeking a party endorsement. ^ "Senate Ratings" .Inside Elections .Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. RetrievedJanuary 14, 2025 .^ "2026 CPR Senate Race Ratings" .Cook Political Report .Archived from the original on November 30, 2018. RetrievedFebruary 11, 2025 .^ "2026 Senate ratings" .Sabato's Crystal Ball .Archived from the original on February 15, 2025. RetrievedFebruary 13, 2025 .^ Phillips, Logan (September 4, 2025)."2026 Senate Forecast" .Race to the WH .Archived from the original on September 4, 2025. RetrievedSeptember 4, 2025 . ^a b "Flanagan Senate Poll Memo - September 2025 | PDF | Democratic Party (United States) | American Government" .Scribd . RetrievedOctober 15, 2025 .Official campaign websites
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