Full Breakdown
Peggy Flanagan’s Progressive Rally Amplifies Minnesota Senate Primary Stakes
7/22/2026, 12:59:55 PM
Core Event
At a Minneapolis rally, Lt. Gov. The gathering featured U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Sen. Tina Smith, and Rep. Ilhan Omar, all endorsing Flanagan in her bid for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) nomination for U.S. Senate. Flanagan framed the contest as a fight for working-class families against a well-funded opponent.
Background & Context
Flanagan is challenging incumbent Rep. Angie Craig in the DFL primary. Craig, who skipped the party’s endorsement process, has drawn support from moderate Democrats such as former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who argue she is more electable in the November general election. Flanagan, positioned as the progressive choice, secured endorsements from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and the Minnesota DFL itself after Craig declined the endorsement. The primary is slated for three weeks from the rally, determining the DFL nominee for the Senate race that also includes Republican candidates Michele Tafoya, Adam Schwarze, and Royce White.
Data & Statistics
Campaign finance reports indicated that, as of June 30, Craig held over $5 million in cash on hand, while Flanagan reported $1.56 million. The disparity underscores Ellison’s description of the contest as “the money versus the many.”
Official Statements & Responses
Flanagan criticized Craig for supporting legislation expanding ICE authority and for backing billions of dollars to Israel, questioning, “Who is [Craig] fighting for?” Smith pledged to “move hell or high water” to secure Flanagan’s Senate seat. Sanders condemned the current campaign-finance system as “corrupt,” urged public funding of elections, and framed the contest as a struggle against billionaire greed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m so proud and excited to be here with my friends,” — Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan
- “I know who I’m fighting for. I’m fighting for the mom standing at the checkout counter trying to stretch twenty bucks through the end of the month.” — Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan
- “Peggy is going to stand up to the greed of the billionaire class and fight for working families. And the agenda that Peggy is fighting for is the agenda of the American people.” — Bernie Sanders, senator
