Why Minnesota Democrats are already buzzing about 2026
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Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
The presidential election is just over two months away, but speculation about 2026 is already driving buzz in Minnesota.
The big picture: The possibility that Gov. Tim Walz will become the vice president has shaken up the state of play for the next election when all five state executive offices and a U.S. Senate seat are on the ballot.
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan confirmed in a State Fair interview with the Star Tribune what most politicos already assumed: Yes, she's open to running for governor in 2026 if Walz is out of the picture.
- While she could still attract DFL challengers, stepping up to serve as governor for the rest of Walz's term would likely give her an edge.
U.S. Tina Smith told TPT's "Almanac" that she plans to run again in 2026.
- That, combined with Flanagan's potential elevation to sitting governor, could mean a longer wait for the growing list of Democrats who want to eventually run for Minnesota's top statewide offices.
Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher created a stir by suggesting on WCCO Radio that Attorney General Keith Ellison might challenge Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty if she runs for re-election in two years.
- In a statement to Axios, Ellison said he's focused on helping Democrats win in 2024 and is "not thinking about any other election," though the statement didn't rule out an HCAO run.
In other political news...
The Minnesota Republican Party reaffirmed its support for 2nd Congressional District nominee Joe Teirab after a local chapter decided not to endorse the nominee at this time.
Why it matters: Intra-party fighting could distract Republicans as they seek to oust Democratic U.S. Rep. Angie Craig in the state's most competitive congressional race.
Catch up fast: Some local GOP activists in the south metro district are still peeved about Teirab, who had the backing of GOP House leadership, winning after their preferred candidate, Tayler Rahm, suspended his bid this summer to work for Trump.