Peggy Flanagan Wins Minnesota Democratic Senate Primary

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan secured the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota, defeating moderate Rep. Angie Craig, according to NBC News projections. The race to replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith saw Flanagan backed by progressive figures including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Elizabeth Warren. If elected in November, Flanagan would become the first Native American woman to serve in the Senate.

"This entire campaign has been about the many versus the money," Flanagan told NBC News’ Meet the Press Now. She noted that Craig’s campaign and allies spent nearly $20 million on advertising, compared with about $4.7 million by Flanagan’s side.

Flanagan emphasized a platform focused on expanding health care access and reducing the influence of large donors, citing support for Medicare for All. She also called for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, while stating she supports border security measures.

Craig, a four-term House member, defended her record and argued she was the stronger general-election candidate. She expressed regret for a prior vote on the Laken Riley Act, an immigration detention measure signed into law by President Donald Trump.

The primary highlighted disagreements over immigration policy and state social-services fraud investigations. Flanagan said the governor’s administration was leading efforts to combat fraud, while Craig accused her of echoing Republican talking points.

Democratic Governor Tim Walz remained neutral, though his wife publicly supported Craig. After the primary, Flanagan pledged to unite Democrats to retain the seat, warning against another Trump-aligned senator. Craig said she would back Flanagan in the general election to prevent a Republican victory.

On the Republican side, former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya won the GOP primary, with support from national Republican leaders despite not receiving the state party’s formal endorsement.