GOVERNOR WALZ WILL NOT RUN FOR U.S SENATE

Governor Walz announced today (Wednesday) that he will not seek Minnesota’s open U.S Senate seat next year.  Current Senator Tina Smith announced that she would not be seeking re-election in 2026.  Since then, several Democratic contenders have emerged including Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, U.S Representative Ilhan Omar and Secretary of State Steve Simon.    There are some Republicans that expressed interest including Royce White, who has already said he would challenge Smith in 2026, Representative Kristin Robbins, state Senators Karin Housley and Julia Coleman among others.  Walz said in an email that he is considering running for a third term as governor.