Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) is not ruling out a run for U.S. Senate in 2026 after Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said Thursday she doesn't plan to run again, Axios has learned. Why it matters: The progressive "Squad" member would enter the race with instantly high name recognition and thus could be a force to be reckoned with.

Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) announced she would not seek reelection to her seat in the Senate next year, setting up rampant speculation on who could compete for the open election in the North Star State. Minnesota is not one of the traditional swing states,

Texas Rep. Brandon Gill urged supporters to sign the petition that "the time has come to arrest and deport" Omar.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan says she will run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, the first Democrat to jump into what could be a crowded field to replace outgoing Sen. Tina Smith. “I love Minnesota and my intention is to run for the United States Senate and continue to serve the people of this state,