Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan defeats AIPAC-backed Rep. Angie Craig in Minnesota senate race

Minnesota Democrats have officially selected Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan as their candidate for the United States Senate. She will compete against Republican nominee and sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya in the upcoming November general election, following the retirement of Democratic Senator Tina Smith. This primary election in Minnesota is part of a series of high-stakes contests across the state where progressive and moderate candidates are clashing, with Israel and its pro-Israel lobby often serving as key divisive issues.

The most prominent race is the US Senate primary, pitting Rep. Angie Craig, who has received backing from the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC, against Flanagan. Flanagan has vowed to reject AIPAC's contributions to her campaign and has accused Israel of committing genocide. The election is taking place amid a growing backlash against AIPAC and Israel, which have become increasingly unpopular among Democratic voters.

Flanagan has repeatedly labeled Craig as "AIPAC's candidate," prompting Craig to distance herself from the group's financial support. Craig asserts that AIPAC has not contributed to her Senate campaign, stating, "Not one penny." Nonetheless, Flanagan claims that despite not receiving direct donations, AIPAC has hosted fundraisers for Craig.

On the other side of the aisle, Minnesota Republicans have chosen Representative Lisa Demuth as their governor nominee. She will face off against Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar in the November election.