• Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will not pursue a U.S. Senate seat in 2026.
• Walz aims to begin his campaign for a third term as governor instead.
• Several other prominent Democrats are expected to enter the Senate race.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed on Wednesday that he will not run for the open U.S. Senate seat, relinquished by outgoing Senator Tina Smith, and will instead focus on securing a third term in office. His spokesman, Teddy Tschann, emphasized Walz's commitment to his role, explaining that “he loves his job as governor” and wants to continue fostering initiatives that aim to make Minnesota the best state for children.

This decision follows Smith’s announcement earlier this month that she would not seek re-election in 2026, prompting speculation about who might fill the seat in the first open Senate race in Minnesota since 2006. Walz, who also gained national recognition as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate in the last presidential election, had been considered a prime candidate for the Senate but has now effectively cleared the path for a competitive primary among existing Democratic contenders. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has already declared her candidacy, joined by Representative Ilhan Omar, Representative Angie Craig, and Attorney General Keith Ellison, among others.

On the Republican side, candidates such as former NBA player Royce White, who previously ran against Senator Amy Klobuchar, are anticipated to compete for the seat. The shifting dynamics within the state suggest a potentially challenging landscape for Democrats, even in traditionally blue Minnesota, particularly with GOP figures eyeing the opportunity presented by Smith’s retirement. Observers note that Walz's absence from the Senate race may significantly influence the competitive nature of the primary contest.

For more information on this developing story, please refer to The New York Times, The Hill, CBS News, HuffPost, and Los Angeles Times.