Democrat Peggy Flanagan won Minnesota's U.S. Senate race
Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan defeated Republican Michele Tafoya in Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race, preserving the seat for Democrats after Sen. Tina Smith declined to seek reelection. Axios said anger over Donald Trump’s policies, including his immigration crackdown, helped propel Flanagan to victory. She will be the first Native American woman to serve in the Senate.
More context
Democrat Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota’s lieutenant governor, won the state’s U.S. Senate race, defeating Republican Michele Tafoya and keeping the seat in Democratic hands. Sen. Tina Smith, who held the seat, chose not to seek reelection. The Star Tribune reported that Democrats also won a majority in the Senate.
Flanagan campaigned on Medicare for All, universal childcare and raising the minimum wage to $17 an hour. She defeated Rep. Angie Craig in the Democratic primary. Tafoya, a former NFL sideline reporter, was seeking her first elected office. Axios said voter anger over Donald Trump’s policies, including his administration’s immigration crackdown, helped propel Flanagan’s victory.
A member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, Flanagan is poised to become the Senate’s first woman of Native American heritage. Alaska Democrat Mary Peltola could share that distinction if she wins her race.
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Reporting
- Minnesota Star Tribune — Peggy Flanagan wins U.S. Senate race in Minnesota
- Scripps News — Democrat Peggy Flanagan wins Minnesota Senate race
- CBS News — Peggy Flanagan wins Minnesota 2026 Senate election, CBS News projects - CBS News
- Axios — Democrat Peggy Flanagan defeats Michele Tafoya in Minnesota Senate race
- minnesotareformer.com — Peggy Flanagan wins Minnesota U.S. Senate seat in historic victory • Minnesota Reformer
Verifier’s note
The Star Tribune, Scripps News, CBS News, Axios, and the Minnesota Reformer all report Peggy Flanagan’s victory in Minnesota’s Senate race. The reports are dated November 4, 2026, consistent with the proposed event’s timing.