In the lead-up to Minnesota's Democratic Senate primary, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan is criticizing Representative Angie Craig for her vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act in 2025. Flanagan, who identifies as a progressive, and Craig, who is considered more centrist, are competing to become the Democratic nominee to replace retiring Senator Tina Smith (D-MN). Immigration policy has emerged as a significant issue in the primary following incidents in which immigration officers killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis earlier this year.
Craig was among 46 House Democrats and 33 Senate Democrats who supported the Laken Riley Act, which aims to strengthen immigration enforcement by requiring federal authorities to detain illegal immigrants charged with theft-related crimes until deportation. Flanagan has consistently criticized Craig for this vote, even after Craig expressed regret about it during the campaign.
During a debate hosted by MPR News, Flanagan remarked on Craig's vote, stating, "Voting three days into the second Trump administration for Donald Trump’s immigration bill that allowed him to terrorize our communities, the loss of life, the economic impact, the trauma — it’s horrific." In response, Craig reiterated her commitment to advocating for immigrant rights in an interview with the Minnesota Reformer, stating, "My regret to give them a f***ing inch does drive my commitment to making sure that the Trump administration pays for what they’ve done. I will spend the rest of my career ensuring that my immigrant neighbors are able to be part of the fabric of America."
Both candidates are focused on reforming the operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the U.S. Polls indicate that Flanagan and Craig are closely matched in the primary race, with fluctuating support between the two. Flanagan has faced criticism regarding the handling of a fraud epidemic in Minnesota during her tenure as lieutenant governor under Governor Tim Walz (D-MN).
The primary election is scheduled for August 11. On the Republican side, sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya is currently leading in polling.