Minnesota

Who she is
Peggy Flanagan is the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota (2019–present), a former state legislator, and a long-time community activist. She’s a citizen of the White Earth Nation and was the first Native American woman elected to statewide office in Minnesota. Her political identity is rooted in progressive community organizing, equity issues, and social justice.

Background that matters

• Led on issues like missing and murdered Indigenous relatives, tribal consultation, childcare support, and gender-affirming care.

• Known for advocacy on social and cultural inclusion and grassroots engagement.

• Running to succeed retiring Sen. Tina Smith in a rare open seat race.

How Minnesota voters tend to see her

• Supporters: Early frontrunner with strong identity appeal, deep community ties, broad progressive base.

• Skeptics: Some Democratic moderates worry her progressive brand could be too narrow for a statewide swing electorate.

Bottom line:
Flanagan reads as a relational progressive who can mobilize key Democratic coalitions across metro and Indigenous communities.

Who she is
Angie Craig is a U.S. Representative from Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District since 2019 and one of the first openly LGBTQ+ members of Congress from the state. She built her political career in a competitive district that blends suburban and rural voters, and she’s seen as a moderate, policy-focused Democrat with experience in federal governance.

Background that matters

• Former journalist and businesswoman before entering politics.

• Has worked on agriculture, small business, and bipartisan issues in Congress.

• Announced her Senate bid as part of the race to replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith.

How Minnesota voters tend to see her

• Supporters: Broad eyebrow appeal among moderates, suburban women, and independents; experienced legislator.

• Skeptics: Some progressives view her as not distinct enough from GOP compromise politics.

Bottom line:
Craig reads as a centrist Democrat who can bridge moderate and progressive currents in Minnesota.

Who he is
Adam Schwarze is a Republican U.S. Senate candidate and retired Navy SEAL and U.S. Marine Corps infantryman running for the open seat. He frames his candidacy around service, national security, and conservative values rooted in discipline and duty.

Background that matters

• Served over two decades with multiple deployments and leadership in special operations.

• Focuses his campaign on strengthening the economy, securing the border, supporting law enforcement, and parental rights.

• Portrays himself as a “values-driven” defender of Minnesota’s interests against “failed policies.”

How Minnesota voters tend to see him

• Supporters: Appeals to veterans, law-and-order voters, and core Republican constituencies.

• Skeptics: Lacks statewide political office experience and has to build recognition outside GOP base.

Bottom line:
Schwarze reads as a military-credentialed conservative with appeal in the Republican primary but tougher headwinds in the purple general environment.

Who she is
Michele Tafoya is a Republican U.S. Senate candidate and former NFL sideline reporter who has entered the race with high-profile backing from the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Her entry injects celebrity and outsider branding into a crowded GOP field.

Background that matters

• Covered NFL games for networks like NBC before retiring and becoming a political podcaster.

• Endorsed by national GOP leaders as the Republican face of the party’s Senate bid.

• Advocates public safety, immigration enforcement, combating fraud, and conservative cultural positions.

How Minnesota voters tend to see her

• Supporters: Recognizable name and communicator style with appeal to traditional and pro-Trump Republicans.

• Skeptics: Mixed past positions (including on abortion and Trump) spark skepticism among some conservatives.

Bottom line:
Tafoya reads as a high-visibility GOP outsider with some base appeal but potential vulnerability to criticism on ideological consistency.