ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today announced that he will appoint Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith to serve as United States Senator for Minnesota. Smith will be appointed to serve a one-year term in the Senate, concluding in January 2019. After the announcement, Minnesotans responded by favorably – citing Tina’s experience and progressive values. Here is what they had to say.

“During her years of experience serving our state, Lieutenant Governor Smith has shown herself to be a capable and effective leader who has worked to improve the lives of Minnesotans. She is well-qualified to step into this role and will be ready to hit the ground running. We have a lot to get done over the next year—from strengthening our infrastructure to reducing the high cost of prescription drugs to ensuring our workers have the skills they need to get good jobs—and I look forward to working with Lieutenant Governor Smith on these critical issues.”

– Senator Amy Klobuchar


“Tina Smith will make an excellent United States Senator. She is a dedicated public servant who’s worked tirelessly on behalf of Minnesotans, and Governor Dayton couldn't have made a better choice for this job. Her record of accomplishment as Lieutenant Governor demonstrates that she’ll be an effective senator who knows how to work across party lines to get things done for Minnesota. I look forward to working with her on ensuring a speedy and seamless transition.”

– Senator Al Franken


“Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith is an outstanding choice to be Minnesota’s next United States Senator. I have worked with Tina for years — she is a good friend, an incredibly hard worker, and a woman who is totally committed to our state. Tina will be a fierce advocate for families, work for good jobs, and fight to protect health care for all Minnesotans. I look forward to working with her in Congress to continue building a country where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed.”

– Congresswoman Betty McCollum


“Senator-Designate Tina Smith is a dedicated, thoughtful, and passionate public servant. She’s someone who won’t shy away from defending her progressive values, but still always tries to find common ground and do what’s best for Minnesotans.”

– Congressman Tim Walz


“Congratulations to my friend Tina Smith on her appointment to the U.S. Senate. Tina is a progressive champion who will be an extraordinary senator for the people of Minnesota. From expanding broadband access in rural areas to investing in early childhood education, Tina has always put working people ahead of special interests, and that’s what she’ll do in the Senate. I look forward to working with her to protect health care, stand for respect for all, and fight for Minnesota families. Tina Smith is the right person at the right time and has my full support both now and when she runs in the 2018 special election.”

– Congressman Keith Ellison


“Currently serving as the Lt. Governor, Tina is smart, strategic, hardworking and incredibly effective, and has been an important ally and champion for Duluth and our region. From LGA and the Steam Plant to issues like housing or addressing the opioid crisis, Tina understands the importance of leading, listening, asking questions and then putting the pedal down to get things done. I'm also glad she'll choose to run next year. This lets her colleagues and other decision makers know that her commitment is not just to lead for the short term, and allows Minnesota better representation by not being dismissed as a placeholder.

“Voters will be able to choose at the polls next year whether they support her vision, and I'm confident there will be many candidates people can choose from regardless of her intent to run. Minnesota has a history of robust political engagement and I'm certain that will be the case again in 2018. I'll miss our visits here in Minnesota, Tina, but I know that you'll represent us well, and in line with Minnesota values, out in D.C. Congratulations and thank you for your service.”

– Emily Larson, Mayor, City of Duluth


“As the Governor and Lt. Governor's Children's Cabinet director, I was constantly impressed by Tina Smith's commitment to Minnesota kids and families. I am proud to call her a mentor and a friend, and I appreciate the support and opportunity she has provided me. Tina fought hard for early education, workers' rights, and health care access as Lt. Governor. I look forward to the incredible work she will do as our US Senator.”

– Melvin Carter, Mayor-elect, City of St. Paul


“Congratulations to our next US Senator, Tina Smith! Governor Dayton made an excellent choice. With Republicans in control of the White House and Congress, Minneapolis needs a strong ally that will fight to protect and increase funding for affordable housing, stand up for our immigrant neighbors facing deportation, and succeed in keeping Minnesota blue in 2018. Tina is that ally.”

– Jacob Frey, Mayor-elect, City of Minneapolis


“I’ve worked with Tina Smith on issues like Local Government Aid that are essential to Bemidji. She understands the needs of our community. In the Senate, I know Tina will continue to advocate on behalf of Bemidji and communities like ours across Greater Minnesota.”

– Rita Albrecht, Mayor, City of Bemidji


“Tina Smith has been a champion for all Minnesotans. Minnesota will be well-served by having Tina working for us in Washington, D.C. She is a strong advocate for hardworking families and for women in particular. As our Senator, I'm confident she will continue her work to improve the lives of Minnesotans, and that she will work to create a nation that works better for everyone.”

– House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman


“Tina Smith is a friend to all Minnesotans, and I know she will take on the important fights for us in Washington, D.C. Throughout my time in the legislature, I’ve known Tina Smith to be accessible and motivated to learn the issues facing Minnesotans of every age, race, religion, gender and ethnicity. Tina Smith will be a strong advocate for women, for immigrant and refugee families who are feeling extremely threatened in the current political climate, and she believes that every person deserves to see the economic benefits of a strong economy that works for everyone. With Tina in the United States Senate, I’m hopeful she can help create a nation that works better for everyone and keeps the promise of liberty and justice for all.”

– State Representative Ilhan Omar


“Some leaders have to tell you what they stand for. Tina Smith is a leader who shows you what she stands for. I've had the honor to work with Tina Smith and know her to be a leader who listens, collaborates, and organizes with intentionality. A leader who works tirelessly on the issues that get us up in the morning, and the ones that keep us up at night. A leader who thinks proactively, not reactively. Minnesota has been fortunate to have Tina Smith as our Lt. Governor, and I know she will represent us faithfully as our next Senator.”

– State Representative Erin Maye Quade


“Throughout my time in the state legislature, I have worked closely with Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith. She is a true problem-solver with a passionate heart and deep understanding of public policy. She has visited my district numerous times, observing schools, talking with community members, and meeting with local business leaders. I have seen firsthand the way that she asks questions to understand the core of what Minnesotans want and need. I know she will bring this same level of openness and curiosity to the U.S. Senate as she fights on behalf of all Minnesotans.”

– State Representative Laurie Halverson


“Lt. Governor Tina Smith understands Minnesota agriculture. Her experience in a statewide office has shown her the important role that Minnesota farmers play in providing the food, feed and fuel that people here and around the world depend upon. We look forward to continuing to work with her as a U.S. Senator.”

– Kevin Paap, President, Minnesota Farm Bureau


“We have a long history of working with Lt. Governor Smith on issues that affect family farmers, especially health care and broadband. We look forward to working with her in this new capacity. 2018 will be a key year for agriculture, with low crop prices still looming over so many farmers and a new Farm Bill to be written. Smith has been a strong advocate for agriculture during her time as lieutenant governor and has often visited farms. We are grateful for Smith’s work in supporting Minnesota’s family farmers and believe she will continue to advocate for them in Washington, D.C.”

– Gary Wertish, President, Minnesota Farmers Union


“We need elected officials in Washington who will fight for regular Minnesotans – and our democracy. Tina Smith is a leader who has worked tirelessly for the public good in Minnesota. As alarming legislation is rammed through Congress, she will bring a needed voice to the U.S. Senate. We congratulate her.”

– TakeAction Minnesota  


“There is no one more qualified or capable than Tina Smith to represent all Minnesotans in the United States Senate. Tina’s entire career has prepared her for this job at a time when all of us need more strong women in the halls of power. Tina is a proven champion for women and working families.  She has worked tirelessly for paid parental leave and pay equity.  Thanks to Tina, parents can bond with their newborns and women are treated as equals in state service. We need her voice in Washington.”

– Judy Wahlberg, President, AFSCME Council 5


“Tina Smith worked with Governor Mark Dayton to make historic investments in the students of Minnesota, including giving every family access to all-day kindergarten, while repaying billions of dollars owed to the schools and fixing structural deficits in the state budget. Tina will bring the same fierce advocacy for working families and fiscal smarts to Congress at a time when both are in short supply. Today, Minnesota’s loss is the nation’s gain.”

– Denise Specht, President, Education Minnesota


“As Lt. Governor, Tina Smith has worked to expand opportunity for workers and families, not just those at the very top. As she joins the Senate, we look forward to continuing to work with Tina to invest in education, health care, and good paying jobs.”

– Ed Reynoso, Teamsters Joint Council 32


“As Lt. Governor and Chief of Staff, Tina Smith has played a critical role in making state government more efficient and responsive to the needs of Minnesotans. With a background in business, Tina worked with Governor Dayton to restore our state’s finances and make investments in Minnesota’s future. Tina is a consensus builder who will serve our state well in Washington, D.C.”

– Commissioner Myron Frans, Minnesota Management and Budget


“Tina Smith has worked with Governor Dayton to eliminate Minnesota’s budget deficit and implement tax cuts that benefit all Minnesotans, instead of the wealthy few. With a range of experiences in government and business, Tina is well positioned to be a strong advocate for working families and small businesses.”

– Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly, Department of Revenue


“Lt. Governor Smith and I have traveled across Minnesota – meeting with local officials, chambers of commerce, business people, and rotary clubs – to talk about the importance of quality roads, bridges, airports, and transit systems. As she joins the Senate, Tina will bring a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure.”

– Commissioner Charles Zelle, Department of Transportation


“Since becoming Lt. Governor, Tina Smith has focused on building an economy that works for all Minnesotans, everywhere in Minnesota. From working at General Mills to starting her own business, Tina understands the challenges and opportunities facing businesses eager to grow and workers looking for impactful careers. Tina has traveled the state as Lt. Governor listening to workers and business owners about what’s working and what’s not and she’s made changes. With this wealth of experience, Tina will be an outstanding voice for Minnesota in the U.S. Senate.”

– Commissioner Shawntera Hardy, Department of Employment and Economic Development


“As Lt. Governor, Tina helped provide our children a better future – helping to secure investments to provide free all-day kindergarten, quality early learning and workforce readiness programs, investments in mental health care, and delivering real results for Minnesota kids. Having traveled the state meeting with teachers, parents, and students, I am confident that Tina will be a superb advocate for our children and families in the Senate.”

– Commissioner Brenda Cassellius, Department of Education


“Lt. Governor Tina Smith has worked hard to expand access to higher education and make it more affordable for Minnesota students and families. Working with Governor Dayton, Tina has fought to increase investment in need based aid by over $270 million, and provide additional support to public institutions to hold the line on tuition while providing high quality education with increased accountability for better results. Tina has also provided leadership aimed at reducing sexual violence on campus. Tina understands the value of a post-secondary credential for students, families, and the Minnesota economy… whether it’s an applied workforce certificate or associates degree, a baccalaureate, or a professional or advanced degree for research and discovery. She will be strong advocate for Minnesota students and higher education institutions in Washington, D.C.”

– Commissioner Larry Pogemiller, Department of Higher Education


“Tina Smith has been a tireless advocate for Iron Range families as Lt. Governor. Working with Governor Dayton, she urged the federal government to take action to stop illegal steel dumping, extend unemployment benefits for laid off steelworkers, and ensure families received all state services they were eligible to receive. Tina was integral to securing state funding for the Highway 53 relocation project and investments in projects like the Range Regional Airport expansion and the construction of the facility that houses the Iron Range Engineering program. She also was a strong proponent for broadband initiatives and funding in rural Minnesota. Tina understands the challenges facing the Iron Range and will be a great advocate for northeastern Minnesota in Washington.”

– Commissioner Mark Phillips, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board