Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate on August 11, defeating Representative Angie Craig with 59.0% of the vote as 98% of precincts reported [1, 2, 3, 4]. Craig received approximately 39.4% of the vote [2].

Flanagan will face Republican Michele Tafoya, a former NFL sideline reporter and TV sports broadcaster, in the November general election [1, 2, 3]. Tafoya won the Republican primary with 52% of the vote after 99% of ballots were counted in a crowded field of nine candidates [2].

The open Senate seat became available following the retirement of Democratic Senator Tina Smith, who endorsed Flanagan [1, 2, 3]. Flanagan made history by becoming the first Native American woman to win a major party Senate primary in Minnesota. If elected, she would be the first Native American woman in the U.S. Senate [1].

Flanagan’s campaign emphasized progressive positions such as opposition to ICE enforcement and drew support from Senator Bernie Sanders, who said, "Peggy Flanagan is about bringing about real change, standing up to the big money interests" and criticized "super PACs and billionaires flooding Minnesota" with money [1, 2, 3, 4]. By contrast, Craig, viewed as a moderate establishment Democrat, faced criticism from progressives over her votes, including support for the Laken Riley Act on immigration detention [1, 3].

Craig raised nearly $13 million during the campaign cycle, significantly outpacing Flanagan, who raised just under $7 million [3]. Craig also received $710,000 from the pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC, funds Flanagan declined to accept [2].

Governor Tim Walz initially sought a third term but dropped out amid unrelated fraud scandals, reshaping the state's political landscape [1].

The Minnesota Senate race reflects tensions between the Democratic Party’s progressive wing and establishment factions. NRSC spokesperson Bernadette Breslin noted low morale among establishment Democrats while saying Sanders’ progressive candidates like Flanagan are gaining ground [3].

The general election between Flanagan and Tafoya is scheduled for November 2026.