Image Source: The New York Times
Peggy Flanagan is making a final push ahead of Minnesota’s Aug. 11 Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, where she is facing moderate U.S. Rep. Angie Craig in a contest that has become a major test of the party’s direction.
The race is unfolding alongside Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor and comes just one week after Abdul El-Sayed narrowly defeated Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s divisive and expensive Senate primary. That result energized progressive activists while raising concerns among Democratic leaders that a shift to the left could make it harder to win in battleground states during the November election.
Peggy Flanagan’s Critical Test for Minnesota Democrats
Flanagan, Minnesota’s lieutenant governor, has presented herself as a candidate prepared to challenge Washington’s political establishment. She has argued that large corporations, special interests and wealthy donors have too much influence over elections and public policy.
During an Aug. 8 campaign appearance with U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Flanagan said the country needs a political shake-up. She emphasized that corporate spending affects both major parties, not only Republicans.
“It is big corporations, it’s special interests who are putting their thumb on the scale in our elections across the country,” Flanagan said. “And it’s not just Republicans. It’s Democrats, too.”
Her message has resonated with voters seeking a more forceful response from Democrats, particularly as the party debates how aggressively to confront President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.
Immigration Enforcement Shapes the Heated Contest
The Minnesota primary has been heavily influenced by an aggressive immigration enforcement campaign in the state. The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, triggered widespread anger and intensified criticism of the administration’s policies.
The confrontations were recorded on camera and became a central part of the political conversation. For many Democratic voters, the incidents have transformed the Senate contest into more than a traditional debate between a moderate and a progressive. The race now reflects broader questions about federal authority, public safety and Minnesota’s response to immigration enforcement.
Both Flanagan and Craig spent the final weekend visiting communities across the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Their campaigns sought to appeal to voters who are frustrated with Washington while offering sharply different approaches to winning in November.
Angie Craig Makes the Case for Winning First
Craig, a three-term Democratic congresswoman, has focused on the practical challenge of building congressional majorities. Speaking to voters in suburban Eagan on Aug. 9, she said Democrats must win elections before they can enact the progressive policies many party members support.
“But the only way we pass any of the progressive policies that all of us here support is by winning elections and taking damn majorities,” Craig said.
That argument places Craig closer to the Democratic establishment, although she has also criticized corporate campaign spending and members of Congress who trade stocks or become lobbyists after leaving office. Her campaign is attempting to combine a moderate electoral strategy with proposals aimed at reducing political influence from wealthy interests.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has not endorsed a candidate in the Senate primary. However, his wife, Gwen Walz, has backed Craig and campaigned alongside her. Flanagan, meanwhile, has received support from progressive figures who believe Minnesota Democrats need a stronger break from the political status quo.
Millions in Spending Raise the Stakes
The contest is among the most expensive primary elections Minnesota has seen. Millions of dollars have been spent on behalf of both candidates, though outside financial support has disproportionately favored Craig.
- Peggy Flanagan is running as the progressive alternative and calling for a shake-up in Washington.
- Angie Craig is emphasizing electability, congressional majorities and a practical path to passing legislation.
- The winner is expected to become the front-runner to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.
- Minnesota has not elected a Republican to statewide office since 2006.
The winner will face a Republican nominee in November in a state where Democrats have maintained a strong statewide presence. On the Republican side, Mike Lindell, the founder of MyPillow, is a leading candidate for governor and has received Trump’s endorsement. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is also competing in a six-person Democratic primary for governor.
What the Primary Could Mean for 2026
The outcome will send an important signal about whether Minnesota Democrats prefer a combative progressive message or a more moderate strategy centered on winning competitive races. It could also influence how national Democrats approach immigration enforcement, campaign finance reform and the party’s relationship with corporate donors.
As reported by the Associated Press, both campaigns were making their final appeals before voters cast ballots on Aug. 11. The result will determine not only who advances to the general election but also which vision of Democratic politics gains momentum across the Upper Midwest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peggy Flanagan
Who is Peggy Flanagan?
Peggy Flanagan is Minnesota’s lieutenant governor and a progressive Democratic candidate running for the U.S. Senate.
Who is Peggy Flanagan running against?
She is competing against moderate U.S. Rep. Angie Craig in the Democratic Senate primary.
When is the Minnesota Senate primary?
The primary election is scheduled for Aug. 11, 2026.
Why has immigration enforcement become central to the race?
The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during federal immigration operations in Minneapolis intensified debate over the administration’s enforcement policies.
What happens after the primary?
The Democratic primary winner is expected to become the front-runner in November’s race to replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith.
