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MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Immigration Enforcement Becomes Defining Divide in Craig-Flanagan Senate Primary
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan enter Tuesday’s Democratic primary divided over immigration, health care, campaign financing and the kind of candidate Minnesota Democrats should send into the November election for an open U.S. Senate seat.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 10, 2026) The consequences of the Trump administration’s immigration-enforcement operation in Minnesota have become a defining issue in the Democratic primary between U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
The two leading candidates are seeking the DFL nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tina Smith, who announced that she would not seek another term.
The primary has developed into a broader debate about the direction of the Democratic Party, with Craig emphasizing her experience winning competitive elections and Flanagan presenting a more progressive alternative supported by grassroots organizers.
Laken Riley Act vote draws scrutiny
A central disagreement involves Craig’s 2025 vote for the Laken Riley Act.
The federal law expanded mandatory detention requirements for certain noncitizens accused of specified crimes. Supporters described it as a public-safety measure. Civil-rights and immigrant-advocacy organizations criticized it for permitting detention based on accusations before a criminal conviction.
Craig was among the Democrats who supported the legislation. She later expressed regret about that vote as Minnesota experienced the consequences of Operation Metro Surge.
Flanagan has used the vote to question Craig’s judgment and commitment to immigrant communities. Craig has argued that she learned from the decision and has strongly opposed the methods used during the subsequent federal operation.
The disagreement carries particular weight in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, where immigration enforcement disrupted families, schools and immigrant-owned businesses.
Different political arguments
Craig represents a congressional district that was historically competitive and has argued that her ability to win swing voters would make her the stronger general-election candidate.
Flanagan has emphasized progressive policies and movement organizing. She supports Medicare for All and has drawn backing from national progressive leaders, including Sen. Bernie Sanders.
The candidates have also differed over campaign financing, military assistance to Israel and the relationship between Democratic candidates and major donors.
Craig’s supporters point to her congressional experience and record of surviving difficult campaigns. Flanagan’s supporters argue that Minnesota should elect a senator willing to challenge party leadership and pursue more substantial policy change.
If elected in November, Flanagan would become the first Native American woman to serve in the United States Senate.
Republican contest also underway
Republicans are holding their own primary for the open seat. That field includes former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya, Royce White, Adam Schwarze, Tom Weiler and additional candidates certified for the ballot.
The eventual Democratic and Republican nominees will compete in the November 3 general election.
The open seat has national importance because control of the U.S. Senate may depend on a relatively small number of competitive races.
Voting concludes Tuesday
Early in-person voting ends Monday. Election Day polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Minnesota voters do not register by party, but they must remain within a single political party’s column when voting in partisan primary races.
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