SENATE RACE
Minnesota
CANDIDATES
Peggy Flanagan
Democrat · Challenger
50.2%
538
vs.
Michele Tafoya
Republican · Challenger
42.1%
538
Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, the first Native American woman to serve as a state executive, is the frontrunner for Minnesota's open seat (Klobuchar retiring). She faces broadcaster-turned-activist Michele Tafoya, who is running on culture-war themes and fiscal conservatism. Flanagan's record on paid family leave, child care, and the Minnesota public option gives her strong populist credentials, while Angie Craig may challenge from a more centrist lane in the D primary. Minnesota hasn't elected a Republican senator since 2002.
OUTSIDE SPENDING
Pro-D $1.5M
Pro-R $2.8M
R groups probing for an upset; D groups expect comfortable hold
RECENT POLLS
| Pollster | Date | D% | R% | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Tribune/MPR | 2026-03-18 | 51 | 41 | D+10 |
| Emerson | 2026-03-05 | 49 | 43 | D+6 |
| SurveyUSA | 2026-02-20 | 50 | 42 | D+8 |
KEY ISSUES
| Issue / Topic | Democrat | Republican |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | MN public option model, drug pricing | Market competition, reduce mandates |
| Economy | Paid family leave, child care | Tax cuts, spending restraint |
| Education | Universal pre-K, student debt relief | School choice, parental rights |
CAMPAIGN FINANCE · FEC
Peggy Flanagan
- Raised
- $5.8M
- Spent
- $2.9M
- Cash on Hand
- $3.2M
- Small Donors
- 45%
- PAC / Super PAC
- $1.6M
CAMPAIGN FINANCE · FEC
Michele Tafoya
- Raised
- $3.2M
- Spent
- $1.8M
- Cash on Hand
- $1.5M
- Small Donors
- 30%
- PAC / Super PAC
- $1.8M
DEMOGRAPHICS · CENSUS
- Population
- 5.7M
- Median Household Income
- $77,706
- White Non-Hispanic
- 76.3%
- Black
- 7.6%
- Hispanic / Latino
- 6.1%
- College Educated (25+)
- 37.3%
- Union Membership
- 14.4%
ELECTION INFO
- Election Date
- November 3, 2026
- Primary Date
- August 11, 2026
- Term Length
- 6 years (Class II)
- Voter Registration Deadline
- Same-day registration available
- Early Voting
- Yes, 46 days before election