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MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has declared her intention to run for the U.S. Senate on the same day that Senator Tina Smith announced she will not seek reelection in the upcoming cycle.
Flanagan shared her plans on Instagram, stating, “I love Minnesota and my intention is to run for United States Senate and continue to serve the people of this state.” She noted that a formal announcement is forthcoming later this month, as she engages in conversations with her community, family, and friends.
Flanagan holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking Native woman in an executive office nationwide. As a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, she would have made history as the first Native American woman to serve as U.S. governor had the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz ticket secured the presidency.
Before entering statewide politics, Flanagan served on the Minneapolis Board of Education and worked with the progressive organization Wellstone Action, where she trained aspiring candidates and leaders, including Tim Walz, prior to his political career.
Walz selected Flanagan as his running mate in the 2018 gubernatorial race, where her liberal perspectives contributed to the campaign’s agenda.
During her time in office, Flanagan has been instrumental in establishing the nation’s first office dedicated to addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives and has prioritized initiatives to make childcare and housing more affordable. She has also been a staunch advocate for reproductive rights.
As Walz campaigned in the past election cycle, Flanagan took on increased responsibilities. In a recent interview, Walz lauded her contributions, highlighting her advocacy for children and marginalized communities but did not clarify if she would team up with him again for a potential third gubernatorial bid.
“Lt. Gov. Flanagan has been a voice for children. She has been a voice to make sure our communities are represented,” Walz remarked. “I think she — she and I together — have been highly successful, and when we get to that bridge, we’ll cross it.”
Following Smith’s announcement about her decision not to run, Flanagan acknowledged Smith’s impact, stating, “Senator Smith has paved the way for so many women like me throughout her entire career.” She praised Smith for her dedication to advocating for small businesses, farmers, and those who have faced systemic barriers in achieving economic stability and opportunity.
Smith characterized her decision as “not political” but rather “entirely personal.” Notably, since the 2008 election, Minnesota has not elected a Republican senator, following Norm Coleman’s narrow defeat to Al Franken.
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