Minnesota holds primary elections on Tuesday for two major statewide offices as voters in the traditionally Democratic state decide the direction of both major parties.
In the Democratic primary for US Senate, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, a progressive, competes against US Representative Angie Craig. The race has centered on immigration enforcement, particularly following deaths of state residents at the hands of immigration agents earlier this year. Flanagan has criticized Craig’s support for the Laken Riley Act, which mandates immigration detention for undocumented immigrants accused of local crimes. Craig has since expressed regret for her vote on the measure. Craig has countered by highlighting state fraud scandals, arguing that Flanagan bears responsibility as a member of the state administration for the past eight years. Both candidates have framed their positions as better reflecting Minnesota values. On the Republican side, former NFL reporter Michele Tafoya is positioned as the likely nominee and has campaigned on the fraud issue while positioning herself as pro-choice to appeal to independent voters.
The Republican primary for governor features Mike Lindell, a pillow company executive and Trump endorsement recipient, competing against Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and businessman Kendall Qualls. Lindell continues to assert claims about the 2020 election and faces multiple legal challenges, including campaign finance allegations and defamation lawsuits. The state Republican Party chair described Trump’s endorsement as a “surprise” and noted electability concerns. Democratic US Senator Amy Klobuchar, seeking the governorship, is expected to easily win her party’s primary.
Minnesota has not elected a Republican statewide since 2006 and has not backed a Republican presidential candidate since 1972, though Republicans believe recent state program fraud scandals present an opportunity. Several contested congressional primaries will also take place, with immigration and representation emerging as themes in multiple races.
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