Minnesota Democrats Vote in High-Stakes Senate Primary Over Immigration Policy
Voting is underway in the Minnesota Democratic Senate primary, where immigration policy and responses to the Trump administration’s enforcement actions are central to the race for the open seat.
Minnesota Democrats are casting ballots in a competitive US Senate primary to determine the nominee for the open seat left by retiring Senator Tina Smith. The contest pits establishment-backed Representative Angie Craig against Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, with immigration policy emerging as the defining fault line between the two candidates.
The race is centred on how Democrats should respond to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, which included federal deportation operations in Minneapolis from late 2025 through early 2026. These operations drew demonstrators and resulted in clashes, including the fatal shooting of two residents by federal officers in January, which sparked nationwide backlash. Both candidates have condemned the administration’s tactics, but their legislative records on the issue differ significantly.
Flanagan has criticised Craig for her past support of the Laken Riley Act, a 2025 bill requiring federal authorities to detain migrants facing charges of theft and violent crimes. Flanagan, who is the only Minnesota Democrat to have voted for the legislation, has argued that Craig’s support was politically expedient. Craig has since expressed regret over the vote, stating she considers herself progressive and has walked back her support for the bill.
The campaign has drawn high-profile endorsements from across the party spectrum. Flanagan has secured backing from Senator Tina Smith, as well as prominent progressive figures including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, and Representative Ilhan Omar. Craig’s support base includes Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Voting in the Democratic primary opened at 7am CT and closes at 8pm CT. Beyond the Senate race, the Republican primary features nine candidates, including former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya and former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze, though President Trump has not endorsed a candidate. In other open seats, Senator Amy Klobuchar is expected to secure the Democratic nomination for governor, while Representative Ilhan Omar faces four challengers in her House district.
