Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan secured victory in the Minnesota Democratic Senate primary on Tuesday, defeating Representative Angie Craig. The outcome represents a significant test of the electorate's direction ahead of the midterm elections, with Flanagan's progressive platform prevailing over Craig's more centrist approach.
According to the Associated Press call at 11:27 p.m. ET, Flanagan garnered 58.8% of the primary vote compared to Craig's 39.7%. Flanagan, who has served as Governor Tim Walz's second-in-command since 2019, ran on progressive policies including "Medicare for all," ending U.S. aid to Israel over the conflict in Gaza, and reducing the influence of money in politics. She also expressed a desire to reform or dismantle the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
Flanagan's campaign received endorsements from notable progressive figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Representative Ilhan Omar, and outgoing Senator Tina Smith. These endorsements aligned with her platform, which drew parallels to other progressive primary victories.
In contrast, Representative Craig, who represents Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District, was positioned as the more pragmatic and centrist candidate in the race to succeed Senator Tina Smith. Craig's district has shown a willingness to shift party allegiances, having voted for President Trump in 2016 before supporting Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024. Her campaign was backed by establishment Democratic figures including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The candidates differed on several key issues. Craig has not described the Israeli military's actions in Gaza as a "genocide" and voted against a measure to cut U.S. aid to Israel. She also proposed "Medicare for All who want it," diverging from a complete federal takeover of health insurance. Flanagan, conversely, criticized Craig's vote on the Laken Riley Act, a bill aimed at curbing the activities of migrant criminals, which Craig has since indicated regret over. Craig also pointed to Flanagan regarding oversight issues in state welfare programs.
Flanagan will now face former sportscaster Michele Tafoya in the general election in November. Republicans have not won a Senate election in Minnesota since 2002.