MN-SEN: Race for rare open Senate seat in Minnesota heats up well ahead of primary
Minnesota voters have a rare, open U.S. Senate seat to fill next year. Far ahead of that, the jockeying is under way in both parties to determine who makes the November 2026 ballot.
Multiple candidates are on the hunt to fill the seat that DFL Sen. Tina Smith will leave at the end of her term.
The race is hottest among Democrats, who have two prominent officeholders raking in money and trotting out backers as they seek their party’s nod. On the Republican side, several candidates said they’re prepared to buck tradition and move to a contested primary election if party delegates pass them over for the GOP endorsement.
Next November’s winner could be a voice of opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration or an ally in helping move the president’s agenda.
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/09/05/minnesota-us-senate-race-heats-up