Congresswoman Ilhan Omar declares she will pursue a fifth term in the House, opting against a Senate run for the seat being vacated by Tina Smith and clearing the path for other Democratic candidates in Minnesota’s 2026 election.
Key Insights
- Rep. Ilhan Omar will seek reelection to her House seat rather than running for the open Senate seat in 2026, focusing on fighting “against the chaos, corruption, and callousness of the Trump Administration.”
- Omar won her 2024 reelection with a commanding 75.3% of the vote, cementing her position in Minnesota’s heavily Democratic 5th District.
- The Senate race has attracted Democratic candidates including Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and former state Senate Minority Leader Melisa López Franzen, while Republicans Royce White, Adam Schwarze, and Mike Ruoho have announced campaigns.
- The Cook Political Report rates Minnesota’s Senate race as “Lean Democrat,” making it a potential battleground in the 2026 midterms.
- This will be Minnesota’s first open Senate race since 2006, with Senator Tina Smith stepping down for “entirely personal” reasons.
Omar Chooses House Over Senate Ambitions
Representative Ilhan Omar has announced her intention to run for a fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026, ending speculation about a potential Senate bid. Omar, who represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District encompassing Minneapolis and parts of Anoka and Ramsey counties, made her decision public amid rumors she might seek the Senate seat being vacated by Senator Tina Smith. The congresswoman, who was the first Somali American elected to Congress and is a prominent member of the progressive “Squad,” won her 2024 reelection with 75.3% of the vote after defeating primary challenger Don Samuels.
In her announcement, Omar emphasized her commitment to continue fighting against the policies of the Trump administration from her current position. “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,” she said. “I am excited to announce I am running for reelection for Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District to keep standing up for our rights in the face of authoritarianism.”
Minnesota’s Open Senate Race Takes Shape
With Omar’s decision not to pursue the Senate seat, the field for Minnesota’s 2026 Senate race is becoming clearer. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and former state Senate Minority Leader Melisa López Franzen have already declared their candidacies for the Democratic nomination. If elected, Flanagan would make history as only the fifth U.S. senator of Native American heritage. Other potential Democratic contenders include Representative Angie Craig, who is reportedly “giving serious consideration to the open Senate seat,” and Secretary of State Steve Simon.
“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,” Smith said.
On the Republican side, several candidates have already announced their intentions to seek the Senate seat. Former NBA player Royce White, who has become increasingly involved in conservative politics, headlines the Republican field thus far. Other declared Republican candidates include Adam Schwarze, Raymond Peterson, and Mike Ruoho. The Cook Political Report currently rates the race as “Lean Democrat,” suggesting Republicans face an uphill battle in a state that has not elected a Republican to the Senate since 2002.
Strategic Decision for 2026 Midterms
Omar’s decision to remain in the House appears to be based on both personal preference and political strategy. Her Minneapolis-centered district remains one of the most safely Democratic in the country, allowing her to maintain her national profile without risking a potentially more competitive statewide race. Her campaign has indicated it will focus on building grassroots organizing to increase voter turnout for the 2026 midterm elections, with an eye toward helping Democrats regain the House majority.
“In Minnesota, we know that organized people will always beat organized money. 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,” she said.
The upcoming Senate contest will be Minnesota’s first open Senate race since 2006, creating a significant political opportunity for both parties. While Omar has not indicated whether she will endorse any candidate in the Democratic primary, her support could prove valuable in a competitive race. Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, who were also considered potential Senate candidates, have declined to enter the race, further clarifying the field ahead of what promises to be one of the most closely watched contests in the 2026 midterm cycle.
Sources:
- Rep. Ilhan Omar will run for US House, not Senate
- Ilhan Omar rules out Senate run, will seek fifth term in Congress
- Ilhan Omar to run for reelection, not Senate, in 2026
