Minnesota Lt. Gov. and Senate Candidate Faces Scrutiny Over Fundraiser Host

Minnesota Lt. Gov. and Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan is facing criticism over an upcoming fundraiser. The event is slated to be hosted by Dr. Nathan Chomilo, who has served as Minnesota's Medicaid medical director since January 2020.

The timing of the fundraiser has drawn attention due to the ongoing massive fraud scandal that has affected Minnesota's Medicaid-funded programs, including autism services and Housing Stabilization Services. While Chomilo was not directly responsible for processing payments or investigating fraud, his role as Medicaid medical director during the period when fraud increased has raised concerns.

Republican State Rep. Kristin Robbins told Fox News Digital that the Walz-Flanagan administration has been associated with the fraud over the past eight years. Robbins, who chaired the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee, stated that Chomilo likely had oversight responsibilities and should have been held accountable. She characterized Flanagan's association with Chomilo as a sign of "disdain for the taxpayers."

Chomilo's tenure as Medicaid medical director has also been noted for his focus on "incorporating community collaboration and racial equity into Minnesota’s Medicaid policy development." In a 2023 profile, he emphasized prioritizing policy development through a racial equity lens and implementing it through a community co-created process. His LinkedIn page shows support for defunding ICE, boycotting Target over its DEI policies, and criticism of "Zionism in medicine today."

Nick Puglia, Regional Press Secretary for the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), stated that Flanagan is allowing individuals who perpetuated fraud to fundraise for her campaign. He compared it to "handing lighter fluid to the arsonist who burned the house down."

Fraud has emerged as a significant issue for voters heading into the November election, where Flanagan is expected to face Republican candidate Michele Tafoya. Tafoya has consistently criticized Flanagan's connection to the fraud scandal, highlighting her role as lieutenant governor since 2019 when the scandal unfolded.

In August, Flanagan told Fox 9 Minneapolis that Minnesotans are upset and angry about the fraud. She stated that the administration has taken steps, including establishing a new office of inspector general and adding staff to the attorney general's office to combat Medicaid fraud. She also noted the aggressive action taken to shut down a program being used by criminals, adding that "more absolutely needs to be done."