Native Vote 2026
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Ojibwe) secured the endorsement of Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party on Saturday in her campaign to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Tina Smith.
The endorsement marks a significant milestone for Flanagan, who is seeking to become the first Native American woman elected to the U.S. Senate.
Flanagan won the endorsement at the DFL State Convention in Rochester after U.S. Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) announced earlier in the week that she would bypass the convention and focus on the August 11 primary election. Craig argued that the endorsement process does not fully reflect Minnesota’s broader Democratic electorate, but she remains in the race and is expected to mount a strong challenge.
Flanagan argued that Minnesota voters are frustrated with Democrats who, in her view, too often yield to Republican priorities. She said voters are looking for leaders willing to fight for their values rather than settle for political compromises.
“We can’t just be the lesser of two evils, and we will never ever win by being a pale shadow of our opponents,” Flanagan said after securing the endorsement. “We’re building a movement that demands more from our leaders in Washington.”
The endorsement victory underscores Flanagan’s strength among grassroots DFL activists and convention delegates. Heading into the convention, her campaign projected support from roughly three-quarters of delegates, making her the clear favorite for the party’s backing.
In remarks following the endorsement, Flanagan called for a more energized Democratic Party and emphasized standing up for working families while confronting the policies of President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.
A citizen of the White Earth Nation, Flanagan has built a national profile as one of the highest-ranking Native elected officials in the country. Her campaign has drawn support from progressive activists and Native communities across Minnesota and beyond.
Despite winning the DFL endorsement, Flanagan’s path to the Senate nomination remains contested. She and Craig will face voters in the August Democratic primary, with the winner advancing to the November general election for the open Senate seat.
