Rep. Ilhan Omar is staying put, shutting down speculation about a 2026 Senate run and announcing she’ll seek re-election to the House instead.
"At a time when our rights are under attack, it is more important than ever to fight back against the chaos, corruption, and callousness of the Trump Administration," Omar told Minnesota Public Radio. She emphasized a continued focus on grassroots efforts, saying, "Our campaign is ready to build on our successful grassroots organizing efforts to have a record turnout for the midterms and help win back the majority."
Omar, a prominent member of the "Squad," easily won her last race for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, defeating Republican challenger Dalia al-Aqidi by roughly 50 points.
Speculation around Omar’s potential Senate run emerged after Sen. Tina Smith announced she would not seek re-election in 2026. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan quickly entered the race, while other big names—including Omar—stayed silent until now. Smith, originally appointed to the Senate after Al Franken’s resignation, said her decision to step down was personal.
"This decision is not political, it is entirely personal, but it's not lost on me that our country is in need of strong progressive leadership right now, maybe more than ever," she said. Gov. Tim Walz also opted not to run, stating, "At this point in time, I don't want to have my thumb on the scale in any way," adding, "I just know we've got a deep bench. We’ve got good folks." Walz is considering a third term as governor instead.
With Flanagan in the race, she becomes the most prominent Democrat running. If elected, she would be only the fifth U.S. senator of Native American heritage and the second currently serving, alongside Oklahoma Republican Markwayne Mullin.
On the Republican side, retired Marine and Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze announced his candidacy, calling it his "most important mission of them all." Former Sacramento Kings player Royce White also joined the race after previously losing the 2024 GOP Senate primary.
This marks Minnesota’s first open Senate contest since 2006, when Amy Klobuchar defeated Republican Mark Kennedy. Former Sen. Franken has already backed Flanagan.