U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D) says she is making way for new political faces to represent Minnesota by deciding not to run for re-election in 2026. That decision sets up a rare open senate race and candidates for it are plentiful so far.

Sen. Tina Smith, who has represented Minnesota in the U.S. Senate since 2018, won’t try for another six-year term next year. An open seat could set off a scramble in both parties ahead of the midterm election.