ST. PAUL 鈥� A Democrat running for Minnesota鈥檚 open U.S. Senate seat has left the race.
Former State Sen. Melisa L贸pez Franzen says she鈥檚 ending the campaign she began in March. The former Senate minority leader was among three DFL candidates vying for the seat Sen. Tina Smith will depart after 2026.
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Lopez Franzen had been overshadowed by Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig in endorsements and available money.
She says she decided to leave the race after reflection and conversations with family, supporters and community leaders.
鈥淭his is not about stepping back 鈥� it鈥檚 about stepping with intention into the space where I can have the greatest impact,鈥� she said in a statement. 鈥淭he work continues 鈥� just through a different path.鈥�
Two Republican candidates, so far, say they鈥檒l run for the seat 鈥� Royce White, who lost a race to Sen. Amy Klobuchar in 2024, and Marine and Navy Seal veteran Adam Schwarze.
This story was originally published on MPRNews.org.
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