National & Minnesota Report
After two elections, one to fill out the balance of US Senator Al Franken’s (D-MN) term and now her own US Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) will not run in 2026. She has stated she wants to spend more time with her family specifically her four grandchildren. This means the Minnesota Political Domino Game will commence on both sides of the aisle.
The list of names has already started to grow and includes many, the true test will be which person can raise the requisite funds to be successful. Now, some will argue, the political parties will be a vehicle for a candidate lacking money, but there are very few Paul Wellstones. One fact is clear, Republicans have not won a statewide race since 2006.
The being names bantered about are familiar, because of this position’s importance and the ability to join American second smallest elite club, with the first being President. Names we are hearing tossed around include Governor Tim Walz (DFL-MN) Lt Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL-MN), which will create some interesting tensions on the westside of the Capitol, Congresswomen Angie Craig (D-MN02) Ilhan Omar (D-MN05), Mayors Jacob Frey (D-Mpls) and Melvin Carter (D-St Paul), on the Republican side, Congressmen Pete Stauber (R-MN08) and Brad Finstad (R-MN01), four term State Sen Karin Housley (R-33, Stillwater), who lost to Smith twice, and former Sports TV personality Michele Tafoya (R).
A midterm election during Donald J Trump’s (R) will be a rough and tumble affair and surely a race to watch. Since, every current politician mentioned is up for reelection, now that municipal elections are on even-years, they would need to sacrifice their current spot to reach for this brass ring, but a six-year term is a very enticing prize.