Full Breakdown
Immigration Vote Fuels Tension in Minnesota’s Democratic Senate Primary
8/10/2026, 2:02:42 PM
Core Event
Minnesota voters will choose between U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in a June Democratic Senate primary. Craig’s 2025 vote for the Laken Riley Act—the first bill passed after President Donald Trump began his second term that expands ICE authority to detain migrants accused of theft or violent crimes—has become a focal point. After two protesters were killed during a month-long ICE deployment at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, Craig published a mea culpa column in the *Minnesota Star Tribune* expressing regret for that vote. Flanagan has highlighted the decision, portraying it as a betrayal of immigrant communities.
Background & Context
The Laken Riley Act was championed by Trump’s administration as a response to border-crossing concerns. Craig and roughly 60 other Democrats supported it in early 2025, citing constituent pressure and a desire for “more sensibility” in a tough district. The subsequent ICE operation in Minneapolis, which resulted in the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, intensified local opposition and turned Craig’s vote into a liability in the statewide race.
Campaign Finance Gap
Through July 22, Craig’s campaign had spent $9 million, while Flanagan’s campaign reported $5.5 million. Outside-group spending also favored Craig, though both candidates have benefited from a surge of national contributions.
Official Statements & Responses
Flanagan told volunteers, “My primary opponent voted for Donald Trump's immigration bill and was the only Minnesota Democrat to do so,” emphasizing that the regret should not have taken fourteen months. Senator Bernie Sanders campaigned with Flanagan, urging voters to reject billionaire-backed super-PAC influence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think that's when she lost my vote permanently and that's why I will not vote for her no matter what,” — Bryce Bohne, 40, of Minneapolis
- “Before that, people had a little bit more sensibility about the fact she was in a tough district and had to take tough votes,” — Corey Day
- “My primary opponent voted for Donald Trump's immigration bill and was the only Minnesota Democrat to do so,” — Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan
- “We can stand with the immigrant community and not just when it's politically expedient for us,” — Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan
- “If the people of Minnesota can stand up — and I'm confident that they can — and tell these billionaires and their lies and their 30-second ads and their super PACs to go to hell, democracy is going to reign,” — Sen. Bernie Sanders
