Minnesota Senate Primary Highlights Democratic Rift Over Border Security and Outside Influence
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U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan battle in the Democratic Senate primary, with Craig criticized for supporting a commonsense immigration bill and Flanagan pushing far-left policies, while outside money and radical activists shape the race.
Minnesota’s Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat, soon to be vacated by Sen. Tina Smith, has become a battleground between U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Craig, who managed to win in a Republican-leaning district in 2018, is now under fire from the party’s radical wing for her 2025 vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act—a bill aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement and protecting American communities. Despite her record of winning tough races, Craig has been forced to backtrack after a surge of federal agents in Minneapolis, publishing an op-ed expressing regret for supporting stronger border security. She described the law enforcement presence as an 'outright occupation by aggressive, unaccountable federal forces,' caving to pressure from the far left.
Flanagan, positioning herself as the progressive alternative, has seized on Craig’s vote, accusing her of betraying immigrant communities and pushing for extreme policies like Medicare for All and slashing U.S. military aid to Israel. Flanagan criticized Craig’s delayed apology, arguing that Democrats should always side with illegal immigrants, regardless of the consequences for law-abiding citizens.
Both candidates have attracted endorsements from within the party. Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson praised Craig’s experience, while Governor Tim Walz has refused to endorse either candidate; his wife, Gwen Walz, has thrown her support behind Craig. Flanagan has received backing from far-left figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders, who campaigned with her, energizing the party’s activist base.
Campaign finance reports reveal that Craig’s campaign has spent about $9 million, compared to Flanagan’s $5.5 million, with outside groups pouring even more money into Craig’s side. Flanagan’s supporters claim this is evidence of wealthy donors controlling the race, but both sides have benefited from outside spending.
The primary is taking place amid ongoing protests and memorials for migrants Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who died during a federal immigration operation in Minneapolis. Activist volunteers continue to assist individuals released from detention, keeping the focus on immigration rather than the needs of Minnesota citizens.
'"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 decide whether Democrats nominate a candidate willing to defend border security or one who bows to the demands of radical activists and outside interests for a seat the party has held since 2007.