Tina Smith

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan won the Minnesota Democratic Senate primary by defeating U.S. Rep. Angie Craig. Meanwhile, Lisa Demuth won the Republican primary for Minnesota governor, and Michele Tafoya won the GOP primary in Minnesota Senate race. Among other results, Amy Klobuchar defeated six others to win the Democratic nomination.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan defeated Rep. Angie Craig for the DFL Party’s nomination in the race for retiring Sen. Tina Smith’s seat. During the campaign, Flanagan distanced herself from her former running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, regarding allegations of fraud. The election highlighted issues like affordability and raised questions about Craig’s vote supporting the Laken Riley Act concerning immigration enforcement.

Progressive wings achieved key primary victories across the Upper Midwest, including wins for Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Ilhan Omar in Minnesota. However, Wisconsin remains the focus, where State Rep. Francesca Hong is seeking to extend progressive momentum in a closely watched contest to succeed outgoing Gov. Tony Evers.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is projected to win the Democratic primary for retiring Sen. Tina Smith’s seat and defeat Rep. Angie Craig. This victory is viewed as a key win for progressives.

The U.S. Senate passed a bill delaying a federal ban on hemp-derived THC products in Minnesota, providing a month-long reprieve for the state's industry. The delay allows time for legislative efforts to regulate rather than eliminate these products, with Minnesota lawmakers advocating for continued state-level oversight.

Minnesota's Aug. 11 primaries are testing party identities as Democrats face an ideological divide between moderate and progressive candidates, while Republicans see political outsiders challenging established figures. The race for U.S. Senate, triggered by Senator Tina Smith's retirement, highlights the contest between Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and U.S. Representative Angie Craig, reflecting national political tensions.

A wave of departures from Congress' tax writing committees has intensified competition to fill critical roles in the next Congress. House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees will see multiple members leave, creating openings for new representatives. Both parties are vying for positions on these influential panels, which shape major tax legislation.

Democrats are prioritizing electoral success over past standards by supporting candidates like Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner, who faces controversies including a Nazi symbol tattoo, sexting, and allegations of abuse. The party's shift reflects a focus on regaining power amid challenges in the Trump era.

Democrats are supporting Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner despite controversies including a Nazi symbol tattoo, sexting, and allegations of abusive behavior. The party's focus on winning elections reflects a strategic shift toward prioritizing voter appeal over past standards, with similar examples in Virginia and Michigan.

Polls are open in Maine, North Dakota, Nevada, and South Carolina for the 2026 US primaries. Graham Platner, a Senate candidate in Maine, faces scrutiny over past controversies, including a Nazi tattoo and allegations of abuse, despite support from some Democrats. Others, like Josh Gottheimer, urge him to withdraw from the race.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan criticized the Laken Riley Act at a rally, seeking to succeed retiring Sen. Tina Smith. Flanagan trails behind Rep. Angie Craig in polling averages for the Democratic senatorial primary. The winner will face the Republican nominee in the general election.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan criticized the Laken Riley Act at a rally, seeking to succeed retiring Sen. Tina Smith, while Rep. Angie Craig regretted her vote for the law. The act is sponsored by Sen. Katie Britt and allows for indefinite detention of immigrants. Flanagan trails behind Craig in the latest polling average for the Democratic senatorial primary.

Michele Tafoya, a GOP Senate candidate in Minnesota, accuses Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison of neglecting a multibillion-dollar fraud scheme involving daycare, food aid, and health clinic programs. She argues the scandal could sway the Senate race, which Republicans aim to flip red, while Walz and Ellison defend their anti-fraud efforts.