Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has won the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, defeating U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and securing her party’s nomination for the open Minnesota Senate seat.
Flanagan’s victory represents a significant win for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. The race pitted Flanagan, who ran as a progressive, against Craig, a more moderate Democrat and longtime member of Congress.
The primary was closely watched nationally as Democrats debated the direction of the party heading into the 2026 midterm elections. Flanagan received backing from prominent progressive figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Craig, who represents Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District, had entered the race with significant fundraising and support from Democratic establishment figures. Despite that advantage, Flanagan ultimately prevailed in the primary.
The Senate seat is open because Democratic Sen. Tina Smith is retiring. Flanagan will now advance to the November 3 general election, where she is expected to face Republican nominee Michele Tafoya, a former sports broadcaster.
Flanagan’s campaign emphasized issues including immigration, economic opportunity and corporate accountability. Immigration enforcement became a particularly important issue during the primary as Flanagan criticized Craig over her previous support for legislation expanding federal immigration enforcement powers.
Flanagan’s victory also carries historic significance. A member of the White Earth Nation and the state’s current lieutenant governor, she could become Minnesota’s first Native American woman elected to the U.S. Senate if she wins in November.
The November race could become an important test for both parties as Democrats seek to retain Minnesota’s Senate seat and Republicans look for opportunities to compete in a state that has generally favored Democratic candidates in recent statewide elections.
For now, Flanagan’s primary victory marks another major moment in the 2026 Democratic primary season and sets the stage for a closely watched Senate contest this fall.
