Multiple people have either tossed their hat into the ring, or confirmed they are at least considering doing so, for the U.S. Senate following Sen. Tina Smith's announcement she will not be running for reelection in 2026.

Minnesota has its first open-seat Senate race since 2006. Many candidates are giving it a look and both parties say they’re well-positioned to win.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) suggested Friday that open Senate seats in Michigan and Minnesota could serve as potential pickup opportunities for Republicans in 2026. “I think they