Tim Walz Declines to Enter Race for Minnesota’s Open US Senate Seat

February 26, 2025 TruthUSA

The previous vice presidential nominee may seek a third term as the governor of Minnesota.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has confirmed he will not be pursuing a position in the U.S. Senate, as stated by a spokesperson on February 26.

“He enjoys his role as Governor and is considering the opportunity for another term to further his efforts in making Minnesota the premier state for children,” the spokesperson informed media outlets in a statement.

Walz, 60, is currently serving his second term as Minnesota’s Democratic governor.

In Minnesota, there are no restrictions on the number of terms a governor can serve.

A former U.S. House of Representatives member, Walz was the vice presidential candidate alongside then-Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, which they lost to President Donald Trump.

Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced earlier in February that she would not seek reelection.

“After two decades of rewarding public service, I’m prepared to devote more time to my family,” Smith, 66, mentioned in a video message.

Smith is currently in her first term, having defeated Republican state Senator Karin Housley in 2018.

She assumed the position following the resignation of Democrat Al Franken, who stepped down after facing allegations of misconduct. Smith was appointed by former Governor Mark Dayton, another Democrat.

Minnesota’s Lt. Governor, Peggy Flanagan, a fellow Democrat, has recently announced her candidacy for the open Senate seat.

“I’m running to bring Minnesota values to D.C.,” Flanagan, 45, stated on the social media platform X.

Flanagan emphasized her contributions as a state legislator and lieutenant governor, which include advocating for an increase in the minimum wage, expanding paid family leave, and providing free meals in schools for all students.

So far, Flanagan is the only Democrat to officially launch her campaign.

A number of Republicans have already declared their candidacies, including former professional basketball player Royce White.

White, 33, was the Republican nominee in the 2024 Minnesota Senate race, where he was defeated by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) by approximately 500,000 votes.

Minnesota has not had a Republican represent it in the U.S. Senate since 2009 when former Senator Norm Coleman left office after losing his reelection bid.

The GOP currently holds a majority in the Senate with 53 seats. In the 2026 election, 35 out of 100 Senate seats will be contested, including 22 currently held by Republicans.

According to the Cook Political Report, Democrats are projected to retain control of nine seats, with two others leaning Democratic and two considered toss-ups. Republicans are expected to maintain 19 seats, with one other designated as likely Republican, while the remaining two seats are indicated as leaning Republican.

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