Minnesota Senate Primary Divided Over Immigration Vote and Campaign Funding

Minnesota voters will choose between U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat held by retiring Sen. Tina Smith. Craig, who flipped a Republican district in 2018, defended her record of winning competitive races but has drawn criticism for her 2025 vote for the Laken Riley Act, a bill that expands immigration detention. After a surge of federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this year, Craig published a column expressing regret for that vote, saying the “outright occupation by aggressive, unaccountable federal forces” showed the decision was wrong.

Flanagan, who positions herself as a progressive alternative, highlighted Craig’s immigration vote as a betrayal of immigrant communities and emphasized her own support for Medicare for All and reduced U.S. military aid to Israel. She noted that Craig’s apology came 14 months after the incident and argued that the Democratic Party should stand with immigrants consistently, not only when politically convenient.

Both candidates have drawn endorsements from state officials. Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson praised Craig’s statewide experience, while Governor Tim Walz declined to endorse either candidate; his wife, Gwen Walz, publicly backed Craig. Flanagan has received support from progressive figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, who campaigned with her last month.

Campaign finance reports show Craig’s campaign has spent about $9 million, compared with roughly $5.5 million by Flanagan, with outside groups contributing more heavily to Craig’s side. Flanagan’s supporters argue that the funding gap underscores the influence of wealthy donors on the race.

The primary takes place against a backdrop of ongoing protests and memorials related to the deaths of migrants Renee Good and Alex Pretti during the federal immigration operation in Minneapolis, with volunteers continuing to assist individuals released from detention.

"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 contest will determine which candidate the Democratic Party backs in the general election for a seat that has been held by the party since 2007.