Former state Sen. Melisa López Franzen has officially announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026, becoming the second Democrat to enter the race to replace Tina Smith. López Franzen stated in her campaign announcement that she is running to protect Minnesota values, restore sanity, and bring decency and common sense back to Washington. She expressed concern about the erosion of rights and services for everyday Americans by unelected billionaires and emphasized the need to work harder to protect the next generation.
López Franzen plans to visit all 87 counties in Minnesota, taking her campaign directly to the people. The upcoming race to replace Smith could see a number of Democratic candidates vying for the Senate seat. Democratic U.S. Reps. Angie Craig and Ilhan Omar, as well as DFL Secretary of State Steve Simon, are all reportedly considering bids for the position.
López Franzen’s entry into the race adds another dynamic to the growing field of Democratic contenders, each vying to represent Minnesota in the Senate. As the campaign unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the candidates differentiate themselves and present their platforms to voters. The 2026 U.S. Senate race in Minnesota promises to be a competitive and closely watched contest, with significant implications for the future of the state and the nation.
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