ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s Senator Tina Smith announced on Thursday that she will not be seeking reelection, triggering a rush of interest from potential candidates across both political parties eager to vie for her vacant seat.

A number of Democrats have expressed their intention to run or indicated interest, including Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, Representative Ilhan Omar, and Secretary of State Steve Simon.

The Democratic Party already faces significant challenges in reclaiming control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, which has allowed them to confirm President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Smith’s decision not to run means Democrats lose an incumbent as they look to recruit candidates in states where victories may be more difficult to achieve.

Flanagan promptly announced her intent to enter the race, while Walz—who served as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate in 2024—is contemplating his candidacy, according to an anonymous source familiar with the situation. Omar is also weighing her options, as mentioned by her chief of staff, Connor McNutt, and Simon is considering a run as well, based on information from another unnamed source.

Despite Republicans not winning a statewide office in Minnesota since 2006, a few came remarkably close in 2022, and this conventionally Democratic state has become more competitive over recent years.

On the Republican front, anti-establishment populist Royce White, who faced off against Senator Amy Klobuchar in 2024, has confirmed his intention to run against Smith, stating in a post on X that included a photo with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as Trump’s health secretary. “The people are coming, and we get the government we deserve,” he tweeted.

Other Republican names circulating as potential candidates include State Representative Kristin Robbins, State Senators Karin Housley and Julia Coleman, former state auditor candidate Ryan Wilson, and attorney Chris Madel. Wilson was narrowly defeated by just over 8,400 votes in 2022, while Housley lost to Smith in the 2018 general election. Coleman is the daughter-in-law of former U.S. Senator Norm Coleman. Former congressional candidate Adam Schwarze hinted at future plans, saying he looked forward to “sharing some big news soon” in response to Smith’s announcement.

“There is absolutely a path to statewide success,” stated Jennifer DeJournett, the executive director of the state GOP.

Dean Phillips, a Democratic former U.S. Representative from Minnesota who previously challenged President Joe Biden in the party primaries, has already decided against entering the race.

At 66 years old, Smith, who was initially appointed to fulfill the term of Senator Al Franken after his resignation due to sexual misconduct allegations, expressed her desire to spend more time with family after two decades in public service.

“This choice is not based on politics; it is purely a personal decision,” said Smith. “However, it’s evident that our nation urgently requires strong, progressive leadership—perhaps more than ever.”

Smith intends to utilize her remaining two years in office to advocate for Minnesota’s interests in the Senate without the pressure of an upcoming campaign. She acknowledged the presence of emerging Democratic leaders ready to take on the challenge.

“Minnesota has a wealth of political talent, and there are many leaders prepared to carry on the work,” she remarked. “I am excited to create opportunities for them to advance.”

Appointed by Governor Mark Dayton, Smith began her term in January 2018 after securing her seat in the November general election. She went on to win a full six-year term in 2020 and has previously held roles as chief of staff to Dayton and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, as well as serving in executive positions at Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Flanagan announced she’ll formally declare her candidacy later this month.

“Senator Smith has opened doors for countless women like myself throughout her career,” Flanagan stated. “She vigorously defends the people of Minnesota and champions small businesses, farmers, and those who are often overlooked in their pursuit of economic opportunity.”

Franken has indicated he will not be running but will support his party’s nominee, affirming that Minnesota Democrats “are fortunate to possess a robust pool of candidates dedicated to the philosophy that we all do better when we all do better.” He looks forward to backing whichever candidate emerges as the nominee to represent Minnesotans in Washington.

Other Democratic colleagues paid tribute to Smith for her years of dedicated service. Governor Walz highlighted her achievements in lowering insulin prices and expanding access to mental health services while also commending her climate legislation efforts and advocacy for reproductive rights. “Minnesotans will certainly miss her presence in the Senate,” he stated.

Klobuchar, Minnesota’s senior senator, referred to Smith as a longtime friend. “Tina’s quiet yet effective governing style has earned her a reputation as the ‘velvet hammer,’” she noted. “Even as we continue to collaborate over the next two years, our friendship and her legacy will endure.”

Chuck Schumer, leader of the Senate Democrats, expressed confidence in retaining Smith’s seat for the Democrats, describing her as a “remarkable senator—intelligent, compassionate, and tireless in her service to Minnesota and the nation.” He emphasized the importance of her legacy and the strength of the potential candidates in Minnesota.

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Note: This story has been updated to clarify that no Republican, rather than no Democrat, has won statewide office in Minnesota since 2006.