Lt. Gov. Flanagan officially launches U.S. Senate campaign

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan officially launched her campaign for U.S. Senate on Thursday, February 20. Flanagan had originally announced her intention to run on February 13 after Sen. Tina Smith announced she would not be seeking reelection.

“My lived experience has informed my belief that we should wrap our arms around our neighbors in need,” said Flanagan in her campaign announcement. “That’s why on the school board, in the state house, and as lieutenant governor, I’ve championed kitchen-table issues like raising the minimum wage, paid family and medical leave, and free school meals. Now, I’m running to take Minnesota values to D.C. — but I need your help. A Native American woman has never won a seat in the U.S. Senate before. I believe we can change that.”

Republican Royce White, who lost to Senator Amy Klobuchar in November, has also implied he may be running again in 2026.

Rep. Pete Stauber has confirmed that he will not be seeking the Senate seat.