Minnesota voters are set to participate in a Democratic primary contest for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring incumbent Tina Smith. The race pits centrist U.S. Representative Angie Craig against progressive Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan in what observers view as another test of factional divisions within the Democratic Party.
The primary follows Michigan’s contested Democratic Senate primary earlier in the week, won by progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Party leaders have expressed concerns that the party’s progressive wing could alienate moderate swing voters in general election matchups. The Minnesota race has been shaped significantly by recent federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis that resulted in two deaths, prompting intense debate over the issue. Flanagan has criticized Craig’s earlier support for the Laken Riley Act, though Craig subsequently withdrew her endorsement of the legislation following the fatal confrontations.
Establishment figures have coalesced around Craig’s candidacy, including House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, along with senators from competitive states. Flanagan has secured backing from prominent progressives including Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, as well as from the retiring Senator Smith. The race has drawn tens of millions of dollars in spending from allied groups focused on issues including support for Israel and the influence of corporate and wealthy donors in politics.
The Democratic winner is expected to be heavily favored in November, as Minnesota has not elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006. However, state Republicans hope recent fraud scandals involving the misappropriation of public funds will provide electoral opportunities. The GOP side features multiple competitive primaries, including a gubernatorial race where pillow manufacturer Mike Lindell, who is Trump-endorsed, faces questions about his viability with independent voters despite his prominence as a Trump supporter and election denial advocate.
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