Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) won't run for re-election in 2026, she announced Thursday. Why it matters: This creates another open seat for Senate Democrats to defend as they try to retake the majority. Smith's seat is listed as "likely Dem" in the upcoming midterms by the Cook Political Report.

With Sen. Tina Smith’s announcement that she will not seek reelection in 2026, politicians on both sides of the aisle are eying her seat. Here are some of those who say they plan to run — or are at least considering it.