Angie Craig Enters 2026 Minnesota U.S. Senate Election

U.S. Representative Angie Craig of Minnesota has officially entered the 2026 U.S. Senate race, seeking to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Tina Smith. Craig's candidacy introduces a high-profile contender into what is expected to be a competitive and closely watched race. Known as a pragmatic and moderate Democrat, Craig is framing her campaign around bridging political divides and countering the extreme Republican agenda.

Craig has represented Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District since 2019, when she unseated Republican Jason Lewis. Her success in a politically diverse, suburban district has earned her a reputation as a battle-tested candidate capable of winning tough races. In 2024, she won re-election by a commanding 13-point margin, reinforcing her broad appeal. Craig's entry into the race sets up a competitive Democratic primary. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has also declared her candidacy, signaling a potentially contentious intraparty contest for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) endorsement ahead of the August 2026 primary. The primary battle will test candidates' statewide appeal and ability to mobilize the party's base.

The general election will unfold in a state with a strong Democratic track record. The DFL has won 28 consecutive statewide elections, an unprecedented streak encompassing gubernatorial races, Senate seats, and other statewide offices. In 2022, Governor Tim Walz secured re-election and helped the DFL regain state legislature control. In 2024, Senator Amy Klobuchar was re-elected with 56.2% of the vote. While this result adds uncertainty to 2026, Craig's profile and the DFL's historical strength make her a formidable contender in both the primary and the general election.

Angie Craig’s U.S. Senate Election Bid Announcement

Cover photo source: UNITED STATES - MAY 6: Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., speaks during the House Democrats' news conference on Medicaid and SNAP cuts proposed by the Republicans' reconciliation process in the Capitol on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via AP Images).