Gov. Tim Walz rules out run for U.S. Senate in 2026
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Walz is still weighing whether to run for governor. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images
Gov. Tim Walz will not run for Minnesota's newly open U.S. Senate seat in 2026, he announced Wednesday.
Why it matters: The two-term governor and recent vice presidential candidate was one of the biggest name Democrats weighing a bid to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.
The big picture: The chance to run for a rare open U.S. Senate seat has generated intense interest from politicians on both sides of the aisle in the wake of Smith's mid-February announcement that she won't seek another term.
- A top election forecaster shifted the race from "likely" to "lean" Democrat after Smith, of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, dropped out.
State of play: Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Republicans Royce White and Adam Schwarze have entered the race.
- DFL U.S. Rep Angie Craig, who represents a suburban swing district, has said she's strongly considering it.
- Several other current and former elected officials are taking a look.
Between the lines: Walz's high name identification with voters and national fundraising network would have made him a frontrunner for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party nomination and the seat itself.
- Some potential candidates have been waiting to see where he landed before deciding whether to join the race themselves.
What he's saying: Walz spokesperson Teddy Tschann confirmed the governor's decision to stay out of the U.S. Senate race in a statement released Wednesday morning.
- "He loves his job as governor and he's exploring the possibility of another term to continue his work to make Minnesota the best state in the country for kids," Tschann wrote.
The intrigue: Walz is not expected to make an endorsement ahead of the DFL primary.
What we're watching: The governor has previously said he'll make a decision about running for a third term this summer, once the Legislature adjourns.
More coverage: Tina Smith retirement tees up rare open Senate seat battle royale
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.