Progressive Peggy Flanagan sweeps Minnesota Senate primary in race defined by anti-ICE anger

Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota's Democratic lieutenant governor, has secured victory in the state's Democratic Senate primary, defeating incumbent Congresswoman Angie Craig. The election campaign was characterized by a focus on immigration issues, specifically the aftermath of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

Flanagan, who will face Republican Michele Tafoya in November, would become the first Native American woman to serve in the Senate if she wins the November election. The seat of both the governor and the US Senate is currently vacant, with no incumbents running for re-election.

Tim Walz, Minnesota's Democratic governor, had initially run for a third term but withdrew his candidacy due to ongoing fraud scandals. Tina Smith, the current US senator, declined to run again, citing her desire to spend time with her grandchildren. Flanagan received endorsement from Smith.

Immigration enforcement emerged as a key issue in the primary race, following the devastating impacts of the Trump administration's Operation Metro Surge, which led to numerous deportations and fatalities. Craig, who initially voted for the Laken Riley Act, later expressed regret but the move had overshadowed her campaign. Craig accused Flanagan of not facing accountability for any role in fraud scandals in state social services.

Flanagan, 46, previously served in the state house of representatives before taking on the role of lieutenant governor in 2019. A member of the White Earth Nation, she has been involved in progressive politics since her early organizing days. Minnesota has not elected a Republican statewide since 2006, and no Republican presidential candidate has won the state since 1972.