Congresswoman Betty McCollum Statement on Senator Tina Smith

February 13, 2025 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Dean of the Minnesota Congressional delegation, released the following statement after U.S. Senator Tina Smith announced that she would not run for re-election: “Tina Smith is a dear friend and an incredible partner in improving the lives of Minnesotans. A leading voice in the fight for reproductive freedom, she is one of our nation’s champions for women’s rights and gender equality. Tina Smith has also been a tireless advocate for Indian country throughout her career in public service, and it’s been a pleasure to collaborate to address Tribal issues here in Minnesota. Our state is better thanks to Tina Smith’s public service, and I’m grateful that I will get to continue to work with her for the final two years of her term. I’m wishing Tina, Archie, their children, and grandchildren all the best as they transition into their next chapter.”