Minnesota's primary elections on Tuesday feature a high-profile contest between progressive and moderate Democrats for an open U.S. Senate seat, alongside significant races for governor and the House of Representatives.
Rep. Angie Craig, a moderate Democrat, faces Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a progressive, in the race to succeed retiring Sen. Tina Smith. Flanagan has garnered support from national progressive figures such as Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, while Craig is backed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, along with local leaders.
This intra-party conflict reflects a broader trend in the current midterm election cycle, where progressive and democratic socialist candidates have seen increased prominence, sparking debate within the Democratic party about their electability in general elections. This cycle has already seen five incumbent House Democrats lose their primaries to progressive challengers.
Immigration policy has emerged as a central issue in the Senate race. Both Craig and Flanagan have called for accountability for federal immigration agents involved in recent fatal shootings during Operation Metro Surge. Flanagan has criticized Craig for her vote on the Laken Riley Act, a bill that expands federal authority to detain undocumented immigrants accused of crimes. Craig has since expressed regret for that vote.
Another point of contention is support for Israel. Craig has previously been associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), though she states she is not accepting their funding in this race. Flanagan opposes offensive weapon sales to Israel and has described the nation's actions in Gaza as "genocide." The candidates also differ on their approach to investigations into alleged widespread fraud within Minnesota's social services programs. Craig has questioned Flanagan's oversight and accountability in the matter, claims Flanagan disputes.
In the race for governor, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz is not seeking re-election. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar is widely expected to secure the Democratic nomination. If Klobuchar wins the general election, Walz would appoint a temporary replacement before a special election is held.
On the Republican side for governor, former MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is competing against current Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and businessman Kendall Qualls. Qualls has the endorsement of the state Republican Party.
The Second Congressional District Democratic primary is a three-way contest among state legislators Kaela Berg, Matt Klein, and Matt Little, following Craig's Senate bid. State Sen. Eric Pratt is running unopposed for the Republican nomination in this district.
In the First Congressional District, Democrats are targeting incumbent Rep. Brad Finstad, with math teacher Jake Johnson considered the top Democratic recruit. The Eighth Congressional District sees actor and former reality television star Luke Gulbranson competing against Trina Swanson for the Democratic nomination.
No Republican has won a U.S. Senate race in Minnesota since 2002, when Sen. Amy Klobuchar won her re-election bid by a significant margin.