Key facts
- Minnesota voters are participating in primaries for statewide races on Tuesday.
- The Democratic US Senate primary features Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan against US Representative Angie Craig.
- Mike Lindell, endorsed by Donald Trump, is a candidate for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
- Republicans are focusing on fraud issues in state programs as a campaign theme.
- The state has leaned Democratic, with no Republican statewide elected since 2006.
Minnesota voters are heading to the polls Tuesday for primaries that could signal a shift in the state's political direction for both major parties.
In the race for the Democratic nomination for US Senate, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan is challenging US Representative Angie Craig. The contest has been marked by debates over immigration enforcement, with Flanagan criticizing Craig's past support for the Laken Riley Act, which mandates immigration detention for undocumented immigrants accused of crimes. Craig has since expressed regret for her vote, but Flanagan believes an apology to Minnesotans is warranted, citing a "lack of judgment" and a "disconnect from Minnesotans."
Craig, in turn, has targeted Flanagan on the issue of state fraud, highlighting the lieutenant governor's role in the state's administration over the past eight years. Craig, who represents a purple district, emphasizes her electability, while Flanagan, a member of the White Earth Nation, focuses on her organizing background and progressive platform, including support for Medicare for All.
On the Republican side for governor, election denier Mike Lindell, who has received Donald Trump's endorsement, is competing against Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and businessman Kendall Qualls. Lindell's eligibility has been questioned due to his residency, as he has lived in both Minnesota and Texas. He also faces allegations of campaign finance violations related to distributing free pillows during a parade, which he denies.
Republicans are aiming to leverage concerns about fraud in state programs, such as those involving child meals, autism services, and housing, to challenge the Democratic incumbents. Michele Tafoya, a former NFL sideline reporter, is expected to be the Republican nominee for the US Senate, centering her campaign on these fraud scandals.
The state has a strong Democratic lean, having not elected a Republican statewide since 2006 and not voting for a Republican presidential candidate since 1972. However, Republicans are hopeful that fraud issues could provide an opening.
Several congressional districts also feature contested Democratic primaries, with races in the second, first, and eighth districts involving candidates with legislative or federal experience, and some focusing on issues like immigration enforcement and local economic concerns.