Who Is Running for Senate in Minnesota in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Tina Smith
(Incumbent)Economy
HighSenator Tina Smith supports a diverse economy and policies for business growth and better worker pay. She advocates investing in infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology, alongside expanding agriculture and supporting small businesses. Smith also backs a fairer tax code, paid family and medical leave, and the Paycheck Fairness Act. She opposed closing the Duluth Prison Camp, emphasizing its role in retaining good-paying union jobs and building an economy that works for all.
Immigration
HighSenator Tina Smith opposes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and advocates for reforms to address unlawful enforcement actions. She believes federal agents should not randomly detain U.S. citizens or enter homes without warrants, citing the need to protect constitutional rights. Smith called the decision not to fund ICE "a great place to start."
Healthcare
HighSenator Tina Smith supports healthcare reforms, stating that healthcare is a personal issue focused on family health and affordable access to care, not politics. She has criticized legislative proposals that do not address concerns about rising health insurance premiums, advocating against choices that force Americans between escalating healthcare costs or cuts to nutrition programs. She believes in pursuing better solutions for accessible and affordable healthcare.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Tina Smith |
|---|---|
| Economy | Senator Tina Smith supports a diverse economy and policies for business growth and better worker pay. She advocates investing in infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology, alongside expanding agriculture and supporting small businesses. Smith also backs a fairer tax code, paid family and medical leave, and the Paycheck Fairness Act. She opposed closing the Duluth Prison Camp, emphasizing its role in retaining good-paying union jobs and building an economy that works for all. High |
| Immigration | Senator Tina Smith opposes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and advocates for reforms to address unlawful enforcement actions. She believes federal agents should not randomly detain U.S. citizens or enter homes without warrants, citing the need to protect constitutional rights. Smith called the decision not to fund ICE "a great place to start." High |
| Healthcare | Senator Tina Smith supports healthcare reforms, stating that healthcare is a personal issue focused on family health and affordable access to care, not politics. She has criticized legislative proposals that do not address concerns about rising health insurance premiums, advocating against choices that force Americans between escalating healthcare costs or cuts to nutrition programs. She believes in pursuing better solutions for accessible and affordable healthcare. High |
| Climate & Energy | Senator Tina Smith supports the Paris Agreement and emphasizes protecting land, water, and air, while promoting clean energy job growth. As a member of the Senate Energy Committee, she has prioritized environmental safeguards and helped pass significant climate legislation. She also actively works to defend the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from mining and supports maintaining established protections for public lands. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Tina Smith supports reproductive rights and access to abortion, emphasizing that individuals should control their own bodies and lives. She believes that when politicians make healthcare decisions, negative consequences ensue, viewing this as a fundamental question of freedom. She has a voting record including "Yea" votes on legislation related to these rights and previously worked at Planned Parenthood. High |
| Foreign Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Education | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Gun Policy | Senator Tina Smith supports reforms to address gun violence, stating her aim is to enhance safety in schools, communities, and places of worship. She co-sponsors legislation to expand background checks, ban the sale of bump stocks, assault weapons, and high-capacity magazines. Additionally, she works to prohibit firearms for individuals convicted of stalking and emphasizes that she does not accept contributions from the NRA. High |
Get updates on Minnesota Senate
Enter your email to be notified when candidate profiles are complete.