Tina Smith

Tina Smith

Democratic Party

U.S. Senate Minnesota

Tenure

2018 - Present

Term ends

2027

Years in position

6

Predecessor

Al Franken

Prior offices

Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota

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Compensation

Base salary

$174,000

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 3, 2020

Appointed

January 3, 2018

Education

Bachelor's

Stanford University

Graduate

Dartmouth College

Personal

Profession

Chief of Staff To Gov. Dayton

Contact

Official website

Official Facebook

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Official YouTube

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal LinkedIn

Tina Smith (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. Senate from Minnesota. She assumed office on January 3, 2018. Her current term ends on January 3, 2027.

Smith (Democratic Party) ran for re-election to the U.S. Senate to represent Minnesota. She won in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Smith succeeded former Senator Al Franken (D). She assumed office on January 3, 2018.

Smith won a full term in the special general election for the position on November 6, 2018. She defeated Karin Housley (R), Sarah Wellington (Legal Marijuana Now Party), and Jerry Trooien (Unaffiliated) to win the seat. She advanced to the general election after defeating five challengers in the special Democratic primary election on August 14, 2018.

Smith previously served as the 48th lieutenant governor of Minnesota. She was elected to the position on a joint ticket with incumbent Governor Mark Dayton on November 4, 2014, and was sworn into office on January 5, 2015.

See also: Resignation of Al Franken, 2017

Committee assignments

U.S. Senate

2023-2024

Smith was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
• Commodities, Risk Management and Trade, Chairwoman
• Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources
• Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy
• Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
• Subcommittee on Economic Policy
• Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection
• Housing, Transportation, and Community Development, Chairman
• Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
• Subcommittee on Children and Families
• Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security
• Committee on Indian Affairs

2021-2022

Smith was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

• Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
• Subcommittee on Children and Families
• Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety
• Committee on Indian Affairs
• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
• Commodities, Risk Management and Trade
• Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy, Chair
• Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, Poultry, Local Food Systems, and Food Safety and Security
• Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
• Economic Policy
• Housing, Transportation, and Community Development, Chair
• Securities, Insurance, and Investment

2019-2020

Smith was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

• Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
• Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
• Committee on Indian Affairs

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023

The 118th United States Congress began on January 3, 2023, at which point Republicans held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-212), and Democrats held the majority in the U.S. Senate (51-49). Joe Biden (D) was the president and Kamala Harris (D) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023
Vote	Bill and description	Status
Yea	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (H.R. 2670) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 22, 2023, authorizing Department of Defense activities and programs for fiscal year 2024. The bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate to pass the bill as amended by a Senate and House conference report.	Passed (87-13)
Yea	Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024   The Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 (H.R. 6363) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 17, 2023, providing for the funding of federal agencies through January 19, 2024. The bill prevented a government shutdown that would have taken place if funding was not approved by November 17, 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.	Passed (87-11)
Yea	Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act   The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act (H.R. 5860) was a bill approved by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2023, providing for the funding of federal agencies through November 17, 2023. The bill prevented a government shutdown that would have taken place if funding was not approved by October 1, 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.	Passed (88-9)
Yea	Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023   The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (H.R. 3746) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 3, 2023. The bill raised the federal debt limit until January 2025. The bill also capped non-defense spending in fiscal year 2024, rescinded unspent coronavirus relief funding, rescinded some Internal Revenue Service (IRS) funding, enhanced work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program (TANF), simplified environmental reviews for energy projects, and ended the student loan debt repayment pause in August 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more.	Passed (63-36)
Nay	Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020.   H.J.Res. 7 (Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020.) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on April 10, 2023. The resolution ended the national coronavirus state of emergency, which began on March 13, 2020. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more.	Passed (68-23)
Nay	Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".   H.J.Res. 44 (Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate. The bill sought to nullify a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) rule establishing criteria to determine whether firearms equipped with stabilizing braces that facilitate shoulder fire were subject to regulation under the National Firearms Act. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate.	Failed (50-49)
Nay	Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".   H.J.Res. 30 (Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the 118th Congress and vetoed by President Joe Biden (D) on March 20, 2023. This was Biden's first veto of his presidency. The resolution sought to nullify a Department of Labor rule that amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow retirement plans to consider certain environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors in investment-related decisions. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more.	Passed (50-46)

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023 The 117th United States Congress began on January 3, 2021 and ended on January 3, 2023. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-213), and the U.S. Senate had a 50-50 makeup. Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when President Joe Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D), who acted as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia. Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023 Vote Bill and description Status Yea Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act   The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) was a federal infrastructure bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 15, 2021. Among other provisions, the bill provided funding for new infrastructure projects and reauthorizations, Amtrak maintenance and development, bridge repair, replacement, and rehabilitation, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, and clean energy transmission and power infrastructure upgrades. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Click here to read more. Passed (69-30) Yea American Rescue Plan Act of 2021   The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 11, 2021, to provide economic relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key features of the bill included funding for a national vaccination program and response, funding to safely reopen schools, distribution of $1,400 per person in relief payments, and extended unemployment benefits. The bill required a 1/2 majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more. Passed (50-49) Yea Inflation Reduction Act of 2022   The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 16, 2022, to address climate change, healthcare costs, and tax enforcement. Key features of the bill included a $369 billion investment to address energy security and climate change, an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, allowing Medicare to negotiate certain drug prices, a 15% corporate minimum tax, a 1% stock buyback fee, and enhanced Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement, and an estimated $300 billion deficit reduction from 2022-2031. The bill required a 1/2 majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more. Passed (51-50) Yea National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (S. 1605) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 27, 2021, authorizing Department of Defense acitivities and programs for fiscal year 2022. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (88-11) Yea James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023   The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (H.R. 7776) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022, authorizing Department of Defense activities and programs for fiscal year 2023. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (83-11) Yea Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022   The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (S. 3373) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 10, 2022, that sought to address healthcare access, the presumption of service-connection, and research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (86-11) Yea Chips and Science Act   The Chips and Science Act (H.R. 4346) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 9, 2022, which sought to fund domestic production of semiconductors and authorized various federal science agency programs and activities. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (64-33) Yea Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021   The Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 (H.R. 3755) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives. The bill proposed prohibiting governmental restrictions on the provision of and access to abortion services and prohibiting governments from issuing some other abortion-related restrictions. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Failed (46-48) Yea Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 15, 2022, providing for the funding of federal agencies for the remainder of 2022, providing funding for activities related to Ukraine, and modifying or establishing various programs. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (68-31) Yea Respect for Marriage Act   The Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 13, 2022. The bill codified the recognition of marriages between individuals of the same sex and of different races, ethnicities, or national origins, and provided that the law would not impact religious liberty or conscience protections, or provide grounds to compel nonprofit religious organizations to recognize same-sex marriages. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Click here to read more. Passed (61-36) Yea Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023   The Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R. 6833) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2022. It provided for some fiscal year 2023 appropriations, supplemental funds for Ukraine, and extended several other programs and authorities. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (72-25) Not Voting COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act   The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act (S. 937) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on May 20, 2021, that included provisions to designate an officer or employee of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to facilitate expedited review of hate crimes, required the DOJ to issue guidance to law enforcement agencies aimed to establish online hate crime reporting processes and to raise awareness about hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and established state grants to create hate crime reporting hotlines, among other related provisions. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (94-1) Yea Postal Service Reform Act of 2022   The Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (H.R. 3076) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on April 6, 2022, that sought to address healthcare and retirement benefits for postal workers, allow USPS to provide certain nonpostal products and services, and expand service performance and budgetary reporting. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (79-19) Yea Bipartisan Safer Communities Act   The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S. 2938) was a firearm regulation and mental health bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 25, 2022. Provisions of the bill included expanding background checks for individuals under the age of 21, providing funding for mental health services, preventing individuals who had been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor or felony in dating relationships from purchasing firearms for five years, providing funding for state grants to implement crisis intervention order programs, and providing funding for community-based violence prevention initiatives. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Click here to read more. Passed (65-33) Yea Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act   The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2021, that provided for continuing fiscal year 2022 appropriations to federal agencies through December 3, 2021, in order to prevent a government shutdown that would have otherwise occurred if fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills had not been passed by October 1, 2021. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate. Passed (65-35) Guilty Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.   This was a resolution before the 117th Congress setting forth an article of impeachment saying that Donald Trump (R) incited an insurrection against the government of the United States on January 6, 2021. The House of Representatives approved the article of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of the charges. Conviction on the impeachment charges required a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more. Not guilty (57-43) Yea Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022   The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022 (H.R. 350) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate in a failed cloture vote that sought to expand the availability and reporting of information about domestic terrorism, enhance the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) ability to prosecute domestic terrorism, among other things. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Failed (47-47) Yea A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2022 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023 through 2031.   This concurrent resolution (S.Con.Res. 14) was a budget resolution passed by the 117th Congress outlining the fiscal year 2022 federal government budget, setting forth budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023-2031, and providing reconciliation instructions for legislation that increased the deficit. It contained a proposed framework for the Build Back Better Act. The resolution required 1/2 majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more. Passed (50-49) Yea Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act   The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act was a federal elections bill approved by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate in a failed cloture vote that sought to, among other provisions, make Election Day a public holiday, allow for same-day voter registration, establish minimum early voting periods, and allow absentee voting for any reason, restrict the removal of local election administrators in federal elections, regulate congressional redistricting, expand campaign finance disclosure rules for some organizations, and amend the Voting Rights Act to require some states to obtain clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice before implementing new election laws. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Click here to read more. Failed (49-51) Yea Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022   The Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act was a bill passed by the 117th Congress in the form of an amendment to a year-end omnibus funding bill that was signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022. The bill changed the procedure for counting electoral votes outlined in the Electoral Count Act of 1887. Elements of the bill included specifying that the vice president's role at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes is ministerial, raising the objection threshold at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes to one-fifth of the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, identifying governors as the single official responsible for submitting the certificate of ascertainment identifying that state’s electors, and providing for expedited judicial review of certain claims about states' certificates identifying their electors. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to concur in the House's version of the bill. Click here to read more. Passed (68-29) Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020 Smith assumed office on January 3, 2017. She was not a member of Congress for votes prior to her swearing-in. Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018 For detailed information about each vote, click here. Votes on domestic policy (click to expand) Voted Yea on: First Step Act of 2018 (S 756)  Motion Agreed to (87-12) on December 18, 2018 Proposed making changes to the criminal justice system. Voted Yea on: Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (HR 2)  Conference Report Agreed to (87-13) on December 11, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023. Voted Nay on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)  Nomination Confirmed (50-48) on October 6, 2018 Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Voted Nay on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)  Cloture Motion Agreed to (51-49) on October 5, 2018 Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)  Bill Passed (86-11, 3/5 majority required) on June 28, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. Voted Nay on: Immigration reform proposal from Sen. Chuck Grassley and the Trump administration (S Amdt 1959 to HR 2579)  Cloture Motion Rejected (39-60, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018 Proposed providing a path to citizenship for 1.8 million individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, limits on chain migration or family-based migration, and eliminating the visa lottery system. Voted Yea on: Immigration reform proposal from the Common Sense Coalition (S Amdt 1958 to HR 2579)  Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018 Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, and limitations on chain or family-based immigration. Voted Nay on: Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act amendment (S Amdt 1948 to S Amdt 1959)  Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018 Proposed withholding funding from sanctuary jurisdictions for not cooperating with federal immigration officials. Voted Yea on: Coons-McCain immigration plan (S Amdt 1955 to S Amdt 1958)  Cloture Motion Rejected (52-47, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018 Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children and conducting a study to determine what border security measures were needed. It also proposed requiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure the U.S.-Mexico border by 2021. Voted Nay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S 2311)  Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected (51-46, 3/5 majority required) on January 29, 2018 Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill proposed providing exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest. An amendment to repeal the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it—"Skinny bill" (S Amdt 667 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628 the American Health Care Act of 2017)  Amendment Rejected (49-51) on July 28, 2017 The amendment proposed repealing the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it. An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271) (S Amdt 271 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)  Amendment Rejected (45-55) on July 26, 2017 An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271) Motion to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, including Cruz and Portman amendments (S Amdt 270 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)  Motion Rejected (43-57, 3/5 majority required) on July 25, 2017 A procedural vote to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA), including the Cruz and Portman amendments. Motion to begin debate on the American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)  Motion to Proceed Agreed to (50-50, Vice President voted Yea) on July 25, 2017 Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to title II of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2017. Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(4)—confirmation vote)  Nomination Confirmed (54-45) on April 7, 2017 Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—confirmation vote. Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(3))  Cloture Motion Agreed to (55-45) on April 6, 2017 Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—second vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination under the new precedent requiring only a simple majority to pass. Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(2))  Decision of Chair Not Sustained (48-52) on April 6, 2017 Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—a vote to keep the Senate precedent of requiring 60 votes to close debate on Supreme Court nominations. Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55)  Cloture Motion Rejected (55-45, 3/5 majority required) on April 6, 2017 Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—initial vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination. Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand) Voted Yea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)  Conference Report Agreed to (93-7) on September 18, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Yea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)  Conference Report Agreed to (92-5) on September 12, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Yea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)  Bill Passed (85-7) on August 23, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Yea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)  Bill Passed (86-5) on June 25, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)  Motion Agreed to (65-32) on March 23, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)  Motion Agreed to (71-28) on February 9, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018 Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)  Cloture Motion Rejected (55-44, 3/5 majority required) on February 8, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)  Motion Agreed to (81-18) on January 22, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018. Voted Yea on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)  Cloture Motion Agreed to (81-18, 3/5 majority required) on January 22, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)  Cloture Motion Rejected (50-49, 3/5 majority required) on January 19, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018. Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)  Motion Agreed to (66-32, 3/5 majority required) on December 21, 2017 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Motion Agreed to (51-48) on December 20, 2017 Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 and proposed changes to the tax code. "A joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes." (HJ Res 123)  Joint Resolution Passed (81-14) on December 7, 2017 Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Bill Passed (51-49) on December 2, 2017 Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. A concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)  Concurrent Resolution Agreed to (51-49) on October 19, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)  Motion Agreed to (80-17) on September 7, 2017 Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts. Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)  Motion Agreed to (79-18) on May 4, 2017 The $1.2 trillion budget bill proposed funding the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017. Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand) Voted Yea on: "A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress." (SJ Res 54)  Joint Resolution Passed (56-41) on December 13, 2018 Proposed removing United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that were not authorized by Congress. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (89-8) on September 18, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, and to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. On November 15, 2017, the Senate passed the defense policy bill by voice vote. This bill was the result of compromises made in the conference report. For more information on the compromise bill, click here. Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)  Bill Passed (98-2) on July 27, 2017 Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes. Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017 (S 722)  Bill Passed (98-2) on June 15, 2017 Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.

Elections

2020

See also: United States Senate election in Minnesota, 2020

United States Senate election in Minnesota, 2020 (August 11 Republican primary)

United States Senate election in Minnesota, 2020 (August 11 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Minnesota

The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. Senate Minnesota on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Tina Smith (D)	48.8	1,566,522
		Jason Lewis (R)	43.6	1,398,145
		Kevin O'Connor (Legal Marijuana Now Party)	5.8	185,064
		Oliver Steinberg (Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party of Minnesota)	1.8	57,174
		Rob Barrett Jr. (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	22
		George Dennis Jr. (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	5
		Steve Carlson (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	3
		John Berman (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	2
		Jason Shaver (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	0
		Josh Ondich (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	0
		Other/Write-in votes	0.1	2,261

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,209,198
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota

Incumbent Tina Smith defeated Paula Overby, Ahmad Hassan, Steve Carlson, and Christopher Seymore in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Tina Smith	87.1	497,501
		Paula Overby	5.3	30,497
		Ahmad Hassan	3.5	20,037
		Steve Carlson	2.9	16,429
		Christopher Seymore	1.1	6,480

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 570,944 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Alexandra Marie Holker (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota

Jason Lewis defeated Cynthia Gail, John Berman, Bob Carney Jr., and James Reibestein in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jason Lewis	78.1	191,288
		Cynthia Gail	7.2	17,675
		John Berman	6.6	16,212
		Bob Carney Jr.	4.3	10,503
		James Reibestein	3.8	9,210

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 244,888 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Forest Hyatt (R)
• Christopher Chamberlin (R)
• Theron Preston Washington (R)
• Rob Barrett Jr. (R)

Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party of Minnesota primary election

Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party of Minnesota primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota

Oliver Steinberg advanced from the Grassroots-Legalize Cannabis Party of Minnesota primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Oliver Steinberg	100.0	3,275

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,275 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Legal Marijuana Now Party primary election

Legal Marijuana Now Party primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota

Kevin O'Connor advanced from the Legal Marijuana Now Party primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota on August 11, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kevin O'Connor	100.0	6,996

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 6,996 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2018

See also: United States Senate special election in Minnesota, 2018

See also: United States Senate special election in Minnesota (August 14, 2018 Democratic primary)

General election

Special general election for U.S. Senate Minnesota

Incumbent Tina Smith defeated Karin Housley, Sarah Wellington, and Jerry Trooien in the special general election for U.S. Senate Minnesota on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Tina Smith (D)	53.0	1,370,540
		Karin Housley (R)	42.4	1,095,777
		Sarah Wellington (Legal Marijuana Now Party)	3.7	95,614
		Jerry Trooien (Unaffiliated)	0.9	24,324
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	1,101

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 2,587,356 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Special Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota

The following candidates ran in the special Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota on August 14, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Tina Smith	76.1	433,705
		Richard Painter	13.7	78,193
		Ali Chehem Ali	3.3	18,897
		Gregg Iverson	3.1	17,825
		Nick Leonard	2.9	16,529
		Christopher Seymore	0.9	5,041

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 570,190
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Special Republican primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota

Karin Housley defeated Bob Anderson and Nikolay Nikolayevich Bey in the special Republican primary for U.S. Senate Minnesota on August 14, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Karin Housley	62.0	186,384
		Bob Anderson	35.6	107,102
		Nikolay Nikolayevich Bey	2.5	7,375

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 300,861
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2014

See also: Minnesota lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2014

Smith ran on the Democratic Party ticket for Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota in 2014.

The gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial race featured five tickets seeking election to a four-year term. Gubernatorial incumbent Mark Dayton (D) ran with Smith, who replaced Yvonne Prettner Solon as lieutenant governor on the Democratic ticket. Dayton and Smith faced Republican challengers Jeff Johnson and Bill Kuisle. The general election ballot also included Libertarian ticket Chris Holbrook and Chris Dock, Grassroots Party ticket Chris Wright and David Daniels and Independence Party ticket Hannah Nicollet and Tim Gieseke. Dayton and Smith won the general election on November 4, 2014.

Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, 2014
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Mark Dayton/Tina Smith Incumbent	50.1%	989,113
	Republican	Jeff Johnson/Bill Kuisle	44.5%	879,257
	Independence	Hannah Nicollet/Tim Gieseke	2.9%	56,900
	Grassroots Party	Chris Wright/David Daniels	1.6%	31,259
	Libertarian	Chris Holbrook/Chris Dock	0.9%	18,082
	Nonpartisan	Write-in votes	0.1%	1,134
Total Votes				1,975,745
Election results via Minnesota Secretary of State

Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, Democratic Primary, 2014
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Mark Dayton/Tina Smith	93%	177,849
Leslie Davis/Gregory K. Soderberg	4.5%	8,530
Bill Dahn/James Vigliotti	2.6%	4,880
Total Votes		191,259
Election results via Minnesota Secretary of State.

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Tina Smith did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Smith's campaign website stated the following:

“	The Minnesota Way Forward A few Americans are just born into opportunity. They’re handed all the tools, and all the connections, and all the capital it takes to build any kind of life they can imagine. And as Tina’s dad would say, good for them. But for the majority of Americans, opportunity isn’t something you’re given. It’s something you have to earn through hard work. And Tina is willing to do the work and work hard. Her belief is grounded in what she knows to be true about fellow Minnesotans: we get together to solve problems, to lift each other up, to find and stand on common ground. We’re creative, we’re practical, and we don’t just complain about what’s holding us back — we come up with solutions. Tina knows that the wealthy and powerful are no match for the people of this state when we join our voices together, fight for the value and dignity of our work, and each do our part to make a generation of progress a reality. And when hard work isn’t enough, she’s ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with Minnesotans to make sure opportunity is available. As long as Tina has the honor of serving as your Senator, she’s going to keep using her voice to speak up and fight for the American values that are under attack every day. A Strong and Diverse Economy With a diverse economy and economic opportunity, businesses can grow and workers can get better pay and better jobs. But now, as the country faces unprecedented times, Tina is working hard to make sure Minnesota’s workers and small businesses have access to the resources they need. Tina knows the importance of rebuilding American manufacturing, building an American medical supply chain, and finding common ground to rebuild the middle class. Learn more. Affordable High-Quality Health Care Every Minnesota family deserves high-quality health care they can afford. And now more than ever, as the country faces an unprecedented health crisis, Tina is committed to fighting for affordable health care, because nobody should have to choose between paying for health care and putting food on the table. Learn more. Quality Education for All Minnesotans Education is the engine of opportunity and it ought to be available to all of us, not just some of us. Tina understands that education drives opportunity and it should be affordable and accessible to everyone. Learn more. Action on Gun Violence We can address the epidemic of gun violence with common-sense reforms. Learn more. Supporting Minnesota’s Farmers and Rural Communities Agriculture is at the heart of Minnesota’s economy. Tina is focused on making sure Minnesota farmers have a strong voice in Congress. Learn more. Women’s Economic Health and Security Women still don’t have equal autonomy, opportunity, or pay as men do. As the only Senator to have worked for Planned Parenthood, Tina knows the importance of fighting for reproductive justice. Learn more. Protecting and Preserving Social Security Social Security is the bedrock of economic and retirement security of the American middle class. Tina believes we should expand Social Security and ensure that it remains solvent in the long term. Learn more. Supporting our Veterans One of our most solemn duties is to take care of the people who served in our armed forces. Tina is committed to making sure they receive and have access to the benefits they’ve earned. Learn more. Standing up for our LGBTQ+ Family Every American deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Tina believes we need to defend the progress that has been made for LGBTQ+ equality and fight the injustices that still exist for too many LGBTQ+ Americans. Learn more. Tribal Communities We must stand shoulder to shoulder with our Native communities and hear their needs and see their contributions. Learn more. Protecting our Environment We need to address climate change, protect our country’s national treasures, and fight back against efforts by this Administration to roll back responsible environmental policy. Learn more. Dreamers and Immigrants Minnesota’s communities are strong because of our immigrant neighbors and friends. We need to make sure our immigration system is one that is reflective of our country’s values and needs and one that prioritizes the dignity of the individuals seeking opportunity in the United States. Learn more. Taking on Special Interests and Campaign Finance Reform We need to end the influence of corporate special interests and dark money on politicians. Tina believes we will only be able to build an economy that works for everyone if we reform this broken system. Learn more. Strengthening Collective Bargaining Rights When workers are able to join together to fight for livable wages, a safe work environment, and quality benefits for their families, we all do better. That’s why Tina believes that collective bargaining is a fundamental right for workers, and makes for stronger communities and families. Learn more. Trade Trade plays a critical role in Minnesota’s economy. Tina supports fair trade, but knows trade can’t be a one-size fits all approach. Learn more. Supporting Arts and Culture Arts and culture are an important part of Minnesota’s identity, economy, and quality of life. That’s why Tina is committed to sustaining and advancing arts and cultural opportunities for all. Learn more. Justice for George Floyd and Transforming Policing Tina wants justice for George Floyd, and justice includes accountability for all the officers who were involved in his murder. Tina also says we need to face up to the disparities in opportunity that hurt Black, Brown and Indigenous people every day, and we need to use this moment to take action. Learn more.	”
—Tina Smith's campaign website (2020)

2018

Campaign website

Smith’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Tina is a fierce advocate for a Minnesota that works for everyone – not just the lucky few. And she knows that when we work together and put Minnesota values first, nothing can stop us from turning that vision into reality. The Minnesota Way Forward It’s true: we are living through one of the most challenging times in the history of our country. Many of those in Washington seem to think their job is to take care of the wealthy and powerful – at the expense of working and middle-class families. But Tina believes that things can – and will – change for the better. Her belief is grounded in what she knows to be true about fellow Minnesotans: we get together to solve problems, to lift each other up, to find and stand on common ground. We’re creative, we’re practical, and we don’t just complain about what’s holding us back – we come up with solutions. Tina knows they’re no match for the people of this state when we come together, stand shoulder to shoulder, and each do our part to create the reality Paul Wellstone described where "we all do better when we all do better." A Strong and Diverse Economy Tina is a fierce advocate for economic opportunity and a diverse economy that works for everyone so that businesses grow and workers get better jobs and better pay. To build a diverse economy, Tina believes we need to invest in manufacturing and technology, help small businesses grow and create jobs, and expand our agriculture economy. Tina championed raising the minimum wage in Minnesota. She supports expanding paid family and medical leave so that parents can stay home to take care of their children and family members without the worry of losing a paycheck. Tina introduced a bill in the Senate to develop more local partnerships to promote career and skill training opportunities Workforce for Today’s Economy Tina recognizes that not every young person in Minnesota will go to a four-year college, or that they want to. That is why she travels the state bringing together high schools, two-year community and technical colleges and local businesses to promote career and skill training opportunities. In fact, she recently introduced a bill in the Senate to help develop more of these partnerships. Tina is committed to finding solutions to help ensure Minnesotans have the skills to fill high-demand jobs and help close the skills gap. Affordable High-Quality Health Care Every Minnesota family deserves access to high-quality health care that they can afford. When Tina talks to Minnesotans, the number one issue she hears about is the rising cost of healthcare – including the cost of prescription drugs. That is why Tina supports universal health care, is working to hold Big Pharma responsible, and fighting for solutions to save Minnesotans money. Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs The first bill Tina introduced would help to lower the cost of prescription drugs by addressing a corporate loophole that giant drug companies use to game the system and keep affordable generic drugs off the market. This unfair practice makes it harder for seniors, families, and all Minnesotans with medical needs to afford life-saving drugs. Tina is not only pushing legislation, she also wrote letters to Big Pharma CEOs asking them what they did with the money they got from the GOP tax bill and whether the money was used to lower prescription drug prices for consumers. Addressing the Opioid Epidemic Too many Minnesotans are losing their lives to the opioid epidemic. That is why Tina is working with community leaders, health care professionals, and lawmakers to find a bipartisan solution for the opioid crisis. In the Senate, she is supporting a bill that would require prescription drug companies to pay a “penny-a-pill” and help fund treatment options to end this devastating epidemic that is plaguing our communities. As Lt. Governor, Tina also advocated for better prevention and treatment options. Expanding Mental Health Services in our Schools Tina wrote legislation with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska to help expand mental health services in school and local communities to ensure our children, wherever they live, have access to the resources they need. Quality Education for All Minnesotans Every student deserves a strong public education system from early childhood to adulthood that prepares them for the workforce. All-Day Kindergarten As Lt. Governor, Tina fought an uphill battle to establish all-day kindergarten for all Minnesota children. Supporting our littlest learners improves access to education and helps close the achievement gap while saving parents from costly childcare expenses. College Affordability The student debt crisis is out of control. As tuition continues to skyrocket, Tina hears from too many Minnesotans facing financial uncertainty from looming student loans. That’s why Tina is working with Senator Elizabeth Warren to help reduce the burden of student debt by allowing people to refinance their student loans at lower rates. On top of tuition, textbooks add to the amount students need to spend. To address this, Tina helped secure $5 million to be used for a pilot that helps allows students to cut down on the expense of costly textbooks. Action on Gun Violence Tina is working to pass common-sense reforms to help end needless gun violence. That is why Tina is standing up to the NRA and working to ensure all people can feel safe at their schools, in their communities, and at their places of worship. Tina has never and will never take money from the NRA. Common-sense Reforms Now is the time to pass much-needed gun reforms. Tina is the cosponsor of bills to expand background checks and to ban the sale of bump stocks, assault weapons, and high-capacity magazines. She is also working with Senator Amy Klobuchar to ban people convicted of stalking from having firearms. Support Minnesota Traditions Tina understands and respects Minnesota's long-standing hunting traditions. As a hunter and angler, Tina will work with Minnesotans to urge Congress to make our communities safer. Supporting Minnesota’s Farmers and Rural Communities A growing agricultural economy and vibrant rural communities are the heart of Minnesota. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, Tina is working to pass a Farm Bill that invests in Minnesota farmers and rural communities, and expands essential broadband infrastructure across the state. Working with Minnesota Farmers Tina fought for a spot on the Agriculture Committee because agriculture touches every community in Minnesota. That's why Tina travels across the state to meet with farmers in their community and listen to what matters to them. Tina is working to pass a Farm Bill that prioritizes Minnesota farmers by investing in farm-to-table programs that bring locally grown food to Minnesota schools and restaurants; including strong safety net programs for those dealing with low commodity prices, and keeping nutrition assistance programs in the bill. Tina has also cosponsored bipartisan legislation to expand Minnesota's farm exports by helping farmers, rural cooperatives, and small businesses sell more commodities abroad. Expand Rural Broadband Access to reliable and affordable broadband is critical for rural and tribal communities. That is why Tina has introduced a bill to increase available funding for broadband projects in tribal communities and in remote and low-income areas. Tina’s bill would expand broadband to areas that are not currently served, allowing Minnesotans the opportunity to connect, compete, and create the lives they want. Affordable Housing Across Minnesota In many places in rural Minnesota, there is a devastating lack of affordable housing. Tina has introduced legislation to help Minnesotans afford to stay in their homes by maintaining rental assistance through the Rural Housing Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It's important we do everything we can to help families and seniors stay in their homes and their communities. Women’s Economic Health and Security Women deserve economic opportunity and fairness as well as reproductive freedom. As Lt. Governor, Tina helped develop and pass landmark bipartisan legislation which works to close the gender pay gap by helping to ensure equal pay for equal work, increases workplace protections, and expands medical family leave. Tina is leading on this issue in the Senate as well. Equal Pay While we have made progress as a nation toward closing the long-standing gender pay gap, women, especially women of color, earn far less than then men on average. That is why Tina is co-sponsoring The Paycheck Fairness Act to addresses this by helping to ensure all women can succeed. Pro-Choice Tina is a strong advocate for women’s health. As a former Planned Parenthood executive, she deeply respects the right of women to make the best healthcare decisions for themselves and their families – and is committed to protecting this right. Supporting our Veterans Tina is strongly committed to making sure we support our veterans and their families. Hire Veterans Veterans make a selfless commitment to our country, and they deserve the utmost respect when they return home. That is why Tina is working with Minnesota businesses so that they hire veterans – making sure that when vets return home, they get the support they need and opportunities they deserve. Quality and Timely Health Care for Veterans Veterans should have access to quality, timely health care. That is why Tina is committed to pushing the Department of Veterans Affairs to end the backlog of cases so that veterans don't have to wait months to get treatment – which can put the lives of patients at risk. Standing up for our LGBTQ Family We need to defend the progress that’s been made for LGBTQ equality and fight the injustices that still exist for too many LGBTQ Americans. That is why Tina pushed to pass marriage equality making Minnesota the 12th state to legalize same-sex marriage, that’s why she pushed for legislation to prevent bullying in Minnesota schools, and why she is supporting a bill to make it illegal to fire someone for being LGBTQ. Tribal Communities Tina is working closely with Minnesota’s eleven tribal communities to make sure they have the resources and support to address critical issues like the lack of housing, workforce needs, the opioid crisis, and holding non-native people responsible for crimes committed on tribal land. Tina introduced the Community Connect Grant Program to help increase available funding for broadband projects in tribal communities. Expanding broadband to areas that are not currently served is essential to making sure Minnesotans can connect, compete, and create the lives they want. She also introduced a bill to help tribal communities in Minnesota address the opioid crisis by making sure they have the resources to tackle this issue in a way that works for tribal communities; and has called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to host an opioid roundtable in Minnesota to hear from farmers, tribal communities and families dealing with this epidemic. Protecting our Environment It is the Minnesota way of life to enjoy all four seasons in the magnificent parks and trails across the state. As a member of the Senate Energy Committee, Tina has made it a priority to protect our land, water, and air, while working with innovative, clean energy businesses to grow jobs. That is why she supports the Paris Agreement to fight climate change, and why she is a champion for growing Minnesota’s strong clean energy economy. Protection for Dreamers and Immigrants We need to stand up with immigrant communities and protect those facing unfair deportation. Tina supports a pathway to citizenship for DREAMERS and opposes the President's actions to end DACA She pushed to prevent the President’s unfair and unnecessary deportation agenda impacting Minnesota’s Liberian community Tina introduced the HELP Separated Children Act to help force ICE to defend families, not separate them Taking on Special Interests and Campaign Finance Reform It’s time to end the system of unlimited dark money that is corrupting our elections. In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of unlimited, unaccountable political campaign spending making it easy for billionaires and special interest groups to secretly spend billions to sway elections. That’s why Tina supports a Constitutional Amendment that would reverse the Citizens United decision and end the ridiculous influence of corporate money in politics. Strengthening Unions and Fighting Unfair Trade Deals Unions play a critical role in Minnesota’s economy – they provide workers with livable wages, a safe work environment and quality benefits for their families. That’s why Tina supports working together at the state and federal level to strengthen the rights for people to organize, collectively improve working conditions, and protect their pensions. Protect Hard-Earned Pensions Tina was appointed to the newly created bipartisan committee on pensions to address the crisis that is putting the pensions of more than 22,000 retired Minnesotans at risk. Tina is concerned that allowing pension plans to fail will create a ripple effect that would devastate Minnesota families, businesses, and communities. Minnesotans who have worked and paid into their retirement plan their whole lives should not have to worry about how they take care of themselves when they retire. That is why Tina will fight to protect the pensions of hard-working Minnesotans. End Harmful Trade Policies Minnesota's Iron Range is an essential part of our economy, and illegal steel dumping puts too many jobs in Minnesota's Northland at risk. Tina's first trip as Senator was to Eveleth, Minnesota – the heart of the Iron Range – to listen to the issues steelworkers are currently facing. She pressed President Trump to take action to combat foreign steel imports that were threatening our national security, and she supports efforts to end steel dumping and hold foreign governments who don't play by the rules accountable. As the trade discussion in Washington continues, Tina has pushed the President to support trade policies that help Minnesota communities and businesses.

”

Notable endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage and endorsements scopes.

Notable candidate endorsements by Tina Smith

Endorsee	Election	Stage	Outcome
Colin Allred  source  (D)	U.S. Senate Texas (2024)	Primary	Advanced in Primary
Joe Biden  source  (D)	President of the United States (2020)	Primary	Won General
Amy Klobuchar  source  (D)	President of the United States (2020)		Withdrew in Convention

Notable ballot measure endorsements by Tina Smith

Measure	Position	Outcome
Minneapolis, Minnesota, Question 2, Replace Police Department with Department of Public Safety Initiative (November 2021)  source	Oppose	Defeated

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Tina Smith campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2020	U.S. Senate Minnesota	Won general	$16,468,405	$16,100,432
2018	U.S. Senate Minnesota	Won general	$9,221,474	$8,787,691
2014	Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota*	Won	$2,940,013	N/A**
Grand total			$28,629,891	$24,888,123
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only availabale data.

Ballot measure activity

The following table details Smith's ballot measure stances available on Ballotpedia:

Ballot measure support and opposition for Tina Smith
Ballot measure	Year	Position	Status
Minneapolis, Minnesota, Question 2, Replace Police Department with Department of Public Safety Initiative (November 2021)	2021	Opposed	d Defeated

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Al Franken (D)	U.S. Senate Minnesota 2018-Present	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota 2015-2018	Succeeded by -

[show]

Minnesota's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Amy Klobuchar (D)

Tina Smith (D)

Representatives

District 1

Brad Finstad (R)

District 2

Angie Craig (D)

District 3

Dean Phillips (D)

District 4

Betty McCollum (D)

District 5

Ilhan Omar (D)

District 6

Tom Emmer (R)

District 7

Michelle Fischbach (R)

District 8

Pete Stauber (R)

Democratic Party (6)

Republican Party (4)