Minnesota Senate Primary Exposes Democratic Divide on Immigration Justice and Corporate Influence
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U.S. Rep. Angie Craig faces Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in a Democratic Senate primary defined by Craig’s support for harsh immigration policies and the overwhelming influence of big-money donors, while Flanagan champions immigrant rights and progressive values.
Minnesota voters are confronted with a stark choice in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Sen. Tina Smith. Rep. Angie Craig, who once flipped a Republican district, now finds herself under fire from progressives for her 2025 vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act—a draconian bill that expands immigration detention and perpetuates the criminalization of migrants. Craig’s subsequent regret, expressed only after federal agents unleashed a wave of terror in Minneapolis, rings hollow to many who witnessed the suffering of immigrant communities firsthand. Her admission that the 'outright occupation by aggressive, unaccountable federal forces' was wrong came far too late for those impacted by her vote.
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, running as the unapologetic progressive in the race, has called out Craig’s betrayal of Minnesota’s immigrant families. Flanagan’s unwavering support for Medicare for All and her call to reduce U.S. military aid to Israel stand in sharp contrast to Craig’s record. Flanagan has highlighted the Democratic Party’s moral obligation to stand with immigrants at all times, not just when it is politically expedient. She pointedly noted that Craig’s apology came a full 14 months after the damage was done, underscoring the need for genuine leadership.
Endorsements have divided along ideological lines. While establishment figures like Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson praise Craig’s 'experience,' Governor Tim Walz has refused to take a stand, though his wife Gwen Walz has sided with Craig. Flanagan, meanwhile, has galvanized support from progressive icons like Sen. Bernie Sanders, who joined her on the campaign trail to rally grassroots activists.
The influence of corporate money looms large over the race. Craig’s campaign has burned through $9 million, nearly double Flanagan’s $5.5 million, with outside groups and wealthy donors pouring resources into Craig’s campaign. Flanagan’s supporters argue that this funding gap exposes the corrosive role of big money in politics and the urgent need for reform.
The primary unfolds amid ongoing protests and memorials for migrants Renee Good and Alex Pretti, whose tragic deaths during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis have galvanized volunteers and activists. Community members continue to provide aid to those released from detention, a testament to the resilience and solidarity of Minnesota’s immigrant communities.
'"My primary opponent voted for Donald Trump's immigration bill and was the only Minnesota Democrat to do so," Flanagan told volunteers in St. Paul.
'We can stand with the immigrant community and not just when it's politically expedient for us,' she added.
'If the people of Minnesota can stand up — and I'm confident that they can — and tell these billionaires and their lies and their 30-second ads and their super PACs to go to hell, democracy is going to reign,' Sanders said.
The outcome of this primary will determine whether the Democratic Party stands with the people or continues to bow to corporate interests and anti-immigrant policies in the general election for a seat the party has held since 2007.