Native Vote. Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Ojibwe) on Thursday received endorsements from four additional U.S. senators in her bid for the U.S. Senate, adding to a growing list of national Democratic support in a contested primary.
U.S. Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) announced their backing of Flanagan, bringing her total number of Senate endorsements to seven. They join Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) in supporting her campaign.
“Senators Murphy, Merkley, Heinrich, and Van Hollen are among the most vocal fighters that working Americans have right now in a government determined to silence us and keep the scales tilted in favor of special interests and the billionaires they serve,” Flanagan said. “It’s an honor to know they want me to join them to fight back and make life more affordable for Minnesotans and Americans alike.”
Murphy said the moment calls for leaders willing to challenge former President Donald Trump. “More than ever, the Senate needs leaders who understand the stakes of this moment and are willing to stand up to Donald Trump’s corruption and lawlessness,” he said. “Peggy Flanagan has spent her career relentlessly fighting the corporations and special interests that are screwing working families in Minnesota. With our democracy on the line, we need that kind of tenacity in Washington and that’s why I’m proud to endorse Peggy Flanagan for U.S. Senate.”
Merkley pointed to Flanagan’s record in state government. “As lieutenant governor, Peggy has helped Minnesotans where it matters most — their pocketbooks — by raising the minimum wage and passing paid family leave,” he said. “Peggy grew up relying on SNAP and Medicaid and Section 8 housing vouchers, experiences that fuel her to ensure government works for the people — not the powerful.”
Heinrich praised her willingness to speak plainly. “Now more than ever, we need new voices who aren’t afraid to speak out and call out the bullshit when they see it — especially in Washington,” he said. “Peggy’s voice is loud and clear and she’s never afraid to use it.”
Van Hollen said Flanagan brings “courage and guts” needed in the chamber. “Peggy always stands up for what’s right for Minnesota’s families and wants more power returned to the people who do the work — not the billionaires,” he said.
Flanagan has also been endorsed by former U.S. Sen. Al Franken, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha, and more than 60 state, local, and community leaders.
You can read the full list of Flanagan’s endorsements HERE.