Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan secured a decisive victory over Rep. Angie Craig in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Flanagan, running against five other Democrats, emerged as the progressive favorite and will face former NFL journalist Michele Tafoya, the Republican nominee, in the November general election.

Flanagan's win adds to a series of recent successes for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, following Democrat Abdul El-Sayed’s narrow victory in Michigan and several progressive wins in New York and Colorado. This primary outcome highlights ongoing ideological divides within the party.

During a debate last month, Craig criticized Flanagan over a $250 million social welfare fraud controversy in Minnesota, accusing the lieutenant governor of lacking accountability. Craig warned that Republicans would exploit this vulnerability in the general election.

National Democratic leaders, including Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, praised Flanagan as a strong advocate for working people and criticized Tafoya as out of touch with struggling Minnesotans. They noted Minnesota has not elected a Republican to the Senate in over 20 years and expressed confidence in Flanagan’s chances in November.

Flanagan celebrated her victory at her election night party, stating, “Well, guess what? The many just won.”

Sources