Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is seeking a higher office. After Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith announced that she will not be running for reelection in 2026, Flanagan shared on social media that she intends to throw her proverbial hat in the ring for the U.S. Senate seat.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan says she will run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, the first Democrat to jump into what could be a crowded field to replace outgoing Sen. Tina Smith. “I love Minnesota and my intention is to run for the United States Senate and continue to serve the people of this state,

ST. PAUL — Minnesota’s lieutenant governor and a failed 2024 candidate have both announced bids for a 2026 congressional seat after U.S. Sen. Tina Smith announced on Thursday that she will not be running for re-election in 2026.