Minnesota primaries could mark change of path for Democrats and Republicans
From progressive and moderate to election deniers, state sees wide spectrum of candidates in test of direction for both parties Minnesota voters on both sides of the aisle are weighing the direction of their parties – and their chances of winning over the general electorate – in marquee statewide races on Tuesday. On the left, Peggy Flanagan, the state lieutenant governor and a progressive, faces…
Minnesota's statewide primaries on Tuesday could signal a major shift in the political landscape for both Democrats and Republicans. On the Democratic side, Peggy Flanagan, the state lieutenant governor and a progressive, is facing off against Angie Craig, a U.S. representative, in the race for the U.S. Senate. The campaign has been marked by a contentious debate over immigration enforcement, following two residents' deaths at the hands of immigration agents during a winter surge.
On the Republican side, Mike Lindell, an election denier and pillow salesman, is set to receive the endorsement of former U.S. President Donald Trump and is competing against Donald Trump's own son-in-law, Donald Trump Jr., in a three-way race for the Republican nomination for governor. The incumbent Democratic governor, Tim Walz, had planned to seek a third term but dropped his bid due to ongoing fraud scandals that threatened the race.
The state is heavily Democratic, having not elected a Republican statewide since 2006. Republicans are hoping to capitalize on fraud problems in state programs, including criminal cases against an organized theft ring accused of stealing meals for children, services for kids with autism, and housing programs.
While the Republican primary for U.S. Senate is also on the ballot, Michele Tafoya, a former NFL sideline reporter, is expected to be the nominee. On the Democratic side, polls have been mixed, with Flanagan criticizing Craig for supporting the Laken Riley Act, a federal law that requires immigration detention for undocumented immigrants accused of local crimes. Craig has since expressed regret, stating that supporting any bill granting ICE new authority was the wrong decision.
Both candidates are now looking to the general election, which will shape up after Tuesday's primaries, as a potential turning point for the state's top roles.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
