Key facts
- Peggy Flanagan won the Democratic primary for the US Senate in Minnesota.
- Flanagan defeated incumbent Representative Angie Craig.
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has secured the Democratic nomination for the US Senate, defeating Representative Angie Craig in a primary race. She will face Republican Michele Tafoya in the November general election.
Peggy Flanagan's victory in the Minnesota Democratic US Senate primary sets up a significant general election contest against Republican Michele Tafoya, with potential historical implications if Flanagan becomes the first Native American woman elected to the Senate.
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan secured the Democratic nomination for the US Senate, defeating Representative Angie Craig in a primary race marked by debates over immigration policy and state-level scandals. Flanagan, a member of the White Earth Nation, positioned herself as a progressive organizer and could become the first Native American woman in the Senate if she wins the general election. The race highlighted a trend of progressive candidates challenging moderates in Democratic primaries. Immigration enforcement, particularly the impact of the Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge" in 2026, played a significant role. Craig faced scrutiny for her past vote on the Laken Riley Act, a law concerning undocumented immigrants accused of crimes, though she later expressed regret. Craig also targeted Flanagan regarding fraud scandals within Minnesota's social services. Flanagan, who previously served in the state House of Representatives, was lieutenant governor since 2019. The seat is open as incumbent Senator Tina Smith decided not to seek re-election. Governor Tim Walz also dropped his bid for a third term due to ongoing fraud scandals. Flanagan will now compete against Republican Michele Tafoya, a former NFL sideline reporter, in November. Minnesota has a strong Democratic leaning, with no Republican having won a statewide office since 2006.