Minnesota Senate primary: Craig vs Flanagan in DFL race to succeed retiring Sen. Smith

Published Aug 7, 06:44 PM UTC

The Minnesota Senate Democratic primary on Tuesday pits centrist Rep. Angie Craig against progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to succeed retiring Sen. Tina Smith. Craig has a significant fundraising advantage, having raised $12.8 million compared to Flanagan's $6.5 million. The race reflects the national Democratic divide between establishment and progressive wings. Flanagan won the party endorsement in May after Craig bypassed the endorsement process. Both candidates have endorsements from eight sitting Democratic senators. National issues have become local flashpoints, particularly immigration enforcement following Operation Metro Surge and the Laken Riley Act vote. Craig has criticized Flanagan over a statewide fraud scandal in the Walz administration, while Flanagan has attacked Craig's vote on immigration enforcement. Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar have not endorsed in the race.