ST. PAUL, Minn. (MINNESOTA REFORMER) – U.S. Sen. Tina Smith on Monday endorsed Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to replace her after announcing she would retire at the end of her term this year.
Smith is a progressive Democrat and part of the “Fight Club,” a group of Senate Democrats challenging their leadership to be more combative in the face of the Trump administration’s sweeping agenda.
In a video posted to social media, Smith — who is standing alongside Flanagan — says that given the Trump administration’s federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, the state should have a “fierce fighter” in the U.S. Senate.
“Peggy has served this state so well. She has delivered results for Minnesotans and she understands that right now what we need are fierce fighters. People who are willing to stand up to the status quo,” Smith said.
Flanagan is running against U.S. Rep. Angie Craig for the Democratic nomination.
Craig is seeking to replicate the success she’s enjoyed in the purple 2nd District by being more of a bridge-builder and win back voters who are put off by polarization in Congress. She’s been endorsed by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and several labor unions and state officials.
Flanagan has also been endorsed by former Sen. Al Franken, who held the Senate seat before Smith.
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