In a significant political development, Senator Tina Smith has officially endorsed Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan as her preferred successor, creating a clear delineation in a fiercely competitive primary race for Smith’s Senate seat. This endorsement arrives in a context charged by recent, aggressive immigration enforcement actions from the Trump administration that have sparked considerable unrest in various communities.
“Today, 3,000 federal agents are terrorizing our communities,” Smith asserted in a video announcement shared with POLITICO. “I know that right now there is no one that I trust more to stand with Minnesota than Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.”
In her response, Flanagan expressed gratitude for the endorsement, labeling it an “honor” and committed to “continuing in her footsteps.” Flanagan emphasized her intent to challenge the status quo, stating, “We’re going to push back against the status quo and send a progressive fighter to continue representing us in Washington, D.C.”
This endorsement comes just a day before the Democratic and Republican precinct caucuses, marking the initial phase of the endorsement process for both parties. By backing Flanagan, Smith opts for a fellow progressive lieutenant governor rather than Rep. Angie Craig, who is considered more moderate. Smith joins the ranks of eight sitting senators endorsing Flanagan, who also boasts support from prominent figures like Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), part of a progressive “Fight Club” cohort. Notably, former Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.), who previously held the seat, has also endorsed Flanagan.
On the other side, Craig has garnered her own set of high-profile endorsements, including five senators such as Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), alongside notable political figures like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
The backdrop of this endorsement is marked by recent incidents involving federal agents enforcing President Trump’s stringent immigration policies, which have exacerbated divisions within the Senate primary. Both candidates have called for the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, while Flanagan has criticized Craig for her “pro-Trump” immigration votes from the previous year. Craig, in turn, has accused Flanagan of being “disingenuous” regarding the details and context of those votes.
While public polling on the race has been limited, recent surveys commissioned by Flanagan’s team suggest she holds a double-digit lead over Craig. Conversely, a poll from Craig’s campaign indicates the race is close enough to be considered within the margin of error.
In terms of fundraising, Craig appears to have an upper hand, having amassed $2 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 and starting the election year with $3.7 million in cash reserves. Flanagan, meanwhile, has raised approximately $1 million during the same period and concluded the year with $810,646 in her campaign coffers.
This political showdown not only highlights the contrasting visions for Minnesota’s future but also underscores the broader national conversation surrounding immigration and progressive values within the Democratic Party. As the primaries loom, the stakes are undeniably high, and the narrative continues to evolve.
