DULUTH 鈥� U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber will not run for the state鈥檚 governorship or an open U.S. Senate seat next year.
A spokesperson in the Hermantown Republican鈥檚 congressional office confirmed those plans to the News Tribune on Thursday, a day after Stauber first publicly ruled out either possibility in an interview with Northern News Now.
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In November, Stauber was reelected to a fourth term representing Northeastern Minnesota鈥檚 8th Congressional District.
There has long been speculation within political circles that he could seek higher office, particularly as he has been a vocal critic of DFL Gov. Tim Walz. The incumbent still faces a decision on whether he will seek a rare third term as the state鈥檚 governor after an unsuccessful bid for vice president.
The unexpected announcement last week from another Democrat, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, has added a new layer of intrigue to the 2026 midterm elections. So far, only Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has announced a campaign to succeed her on the DFL ticket.
Royce White, a former professional basketball player turned political podcaster, has already announced another GOP bid for the seat after his 16-point loss to U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar in 2024.
A Republican has not won a statewide election in Minnesota since 2006. But the 8th District, once a Democratic stronghold and later a battleground, has moved safely into the red category.
Stauber most recently cruised to victory over DFL challenger Jen Schultz with 58% of the vote 鈥� just a touch higher than his margin over the same opponent in 2022.
A staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, the congressman With Republicans now holding a trifecta in Washington, Stauber has said he will 鈥渦ndo the damage committed by the Biden administration and unleash our nation鈥檚 vast energy and mineral resources.鈥�
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The Trust Project
