MINNEAPOLIS — On the same day that Sen. Tina Smith revealed her decision not to run for reelection next year, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
Flanagan made the announcement via Instagram on Thursday.
“I love Minnesota, and I plan to pursue a seat in the United States Senate to continue serving the people of this great state,” Flanagan stated. “A formal announcement will follow later this month. In the meantime, I’m engaging with my community and consulting with family and friends. More details will come soon.”
In her statement regarding Smith, Flanagan expressed gratitude.
“Senator Smith has opened doors for many women like myself over the course of her career,” Flanagan noted. “She advocates strongly for the residents of Minnesota, pushing for small businesses, farmers, and those who often feel unheard, ensuring they have equitable opportunities for success. As a natural organizer, Senator Smith understands that progress is made when everyone has a voice at the table. Thank you, Tina, for your leadership. I look forward to our continued collaboration for the benefit of Minnesotans.”
If the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz ticket had triumphed in the presidential race, Flanagan would have been the first Native American woman to serve as a U.S. governor.
In a recent WCCO interview, Walz commended Flanagan for her role as lieutenant governor but didn’t confirm her potential candidacy alongside him for a third term.
“Lt. Gov. Flanagan has been an advocate for children and a strong voice for representation in our communities. She has also made significant efforts to ensure tribal voices are heard,” Walz remarked. “Together, we have achieved a lot, and when the time comes for decisions about our future, we will address it.”
Flanagan, who is Minnesota’s 50th lieutenant governor and a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking Native American woman elected to an executive position in the country.
Her background includes serving on the Minneapolis School Board, representing St. Louis Park as a state representative, and working as a trainer for Wellstone Action, a nonprofit organization that fosters progressive leaders and activism.
