ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced she will run for the U.S. Senate to succeed Tina Smith, who has chosen not to seek re-election in 2026. Like Smith, Flanagan is a Democrat. Her announcement came moments after Smith announced her decision to bow out of public life at the end of her term. As lieutenant governor, Flanagan helped establish the country’s first government agency for missing and murdered indigenous people. She also has worked to make childcare and housing affordable. She is vocally prominent for abortion rights. Flanagan began pubic service in 2004 on the Minneapolis School Board. She worked for the progressive group Wellstone Action, where she trained organizers, elected officials and candidates. Among her trainees was Tim Walz, now governor and under whom she is governor. Back then Walz was a high school teacher aspiring to Congress. Ater her School Board experience Flanagan was elected twice to the state House of Representatives.
Flanagan. Number 2 Minnesota state executive since 2020.