Peggy Flanagan Wins Minnesota Senate Primary Over Angie Craig

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, defeating Rep. Angie Craig in a contest shaped by anger over the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in the state.

Flanagan, 46, will face Michele Tafoya, a Republican and former National Football League sideline reporter, in November. If she wins, Flanagan would become the first Native American woman to serve in the Senate. She is a citizen of the White Earth Nation and served in the state House of Representatives before becoming lieutenant governor in 2019.

"It's time to fight for what people actually need," Flanagan recently told The Guardian. "And so often I think Democrats are like: 'What do we think we can win?' Instead of: 'What are the fights that we should be picking?'"

Immigration enforcement dominated the primary after the Trump administration sent thousands of immigration officers into Minnesota in early 2026 as part of Operation Metro Surge. Two residents died and hundreds of people were deported. Craig, 54, was dogged by her vote for the Laken Riley Act, which requires immigration detention for undocumented immigrants accused of local crimes. She said in March that she regretted the vote. Craig, first elected in 2018 and the first out lesbian elected to Congress from Minnesota, attacked Flanagan over fraud scandals in state social services, saying the lieutenant governor had not been held accountable for any role in them.

Flanagan was endorsed by Sen. Tina Smith, who is not seeking re-election, and backed by Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. "Peggy Flanagan's win is further proof that the many can beat the money," Warren said in a statement.

In the governor's race, Mike Lindell, the election denier and pillow salesman endorsed by President Trump, lost to Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth. Demuth will face Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is favored. Lindell faces defamation cases and a potential campaign finance violation for handing out free pillows at a parade, and recently stepped down as CEO of MyPillow.

In House races, Matt Little won the Democratic nod in Craig's Second District, Jake Johnson will challenge Rep. Brad Finstad in the First, and Trina Swanson will face Rep. Pete Stauber in the Eighth.

Minnesota has not elected a Republican statewide since 2006.