Minnesota Senate Primary: Centrist Craig vs Progressive Flanagan for Open Seat

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 for the open seat of retiring Sen. Tina Smith. Craig leads in fundraising with $12.8 million raised versus Flanagan's $6.5 million, and has $3.6 million cash on hand to Flanagan's $1.1 million. The race reflects the national Democratic divide between establishment and progressive wings. Flanagan won the state party endorsement and has backing from eight sitting Democratic senators, including Smith. Craig, who flipped a swing House seat in 2018, argues she is best positioned to hold the seat in November. Key issues include immigration enforcement, particularly the Laken Riley Act vote, and a statewide fraud scandal that affected the Walz administration. Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar have not endorsed in the race.