Sanders says Minnesota Senate race between progressive and moderate will be ‘tight’
Senator Bernie Sanders said Minnesota’s Democratic Senate primary between progressive Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and moderate Representative Angie Craig would be close. His assessment matters because the contest is viewed as a test of whether the Democratic Party’s progressive or centrist wing has greater influence ahead of the midterm elections.
Sanders has endorsed Flanagan, who is campaigning on progressive policies and support from grassroots activists, while Craig presents herself as a pragmatic candidate with broader electoral appeal. The primary is scheduled for 11 August and will determine the Democratic candidate to succeed retiring Senator Tina Smith. The race has drawn national attention, outside spending and prominent endorsements, reflecting wider divisions within the party.
In short
- Sanders expects Minnesota’s Democratic Senate primary to be closely contested.
- Peggy Flanagan represents the progressive wing; Angie Craig is the moderate candidate.
- The race is a wider test of Democratic Party direction.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The Democratic Party's core strength lies in mobilising committed grassroots supporters and younger voters who demand substantive policy change on healthcare, climate and economic inequality. Flanagan represents the progressive energy that energises the party's base; supporters argue that authentic enthusiasm for bold policy delivers better electoral results than pursuing centrist voters who have historically proven difficult to win over.
The case against
Building winning Senate coalitions requires appealing beyond party activists to independent voters and persuadable Republicans in swing districts. Craig's pragmatic, experienced approach demonstrates electability and appeal to a broader electorate; moderates argue that governance and electoral success require bridge-building rather than ideological purity, and that candidates positioned for primary enthusiasm often underperform in general elections.
Explained simply
Minnesota’s Senate seat is open because Democratic Senator Tina Smith is retiring. The state’s Democratic primary will choose who represents the party in the general election, with Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Representative Angie Craig among the candidates.
Flanagan is associated with the party’s progressive wing and has backing from grassroots activists. Craig describes herself as a practical candidate who can appeal to a broad range of voters. Their contest has attracted national attention because it reflects a wider debate among Democrats about the party’s direction.