Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., will not run against Tina Smith — who was tapped Wednesday to take over for outgoing Democratic Sen. Al Franken — in next year’s special election, according to a report published minutes after Smith’s appointment was announced Wednesday morning.
Smith will hold the temporary office until a special election is scheduled next year, though her term will formally conclude January 2019 if she loses. Franken’s term was set to expire in 2020.
Ellison had indicated earlier this year that he was considering jumping into the Senate race this year.
A source with knowledge of his political plans told the Star Tribune Ellison will no longer pursue that plan.
Ellison also serves as deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
