Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has backed Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota's Democratic primary to succeed retiring Senator Tina Smith, marking his third competitive Senate endorsement. The 84-year-old independent praised Flanagan for her willingness to challenge billionaires and corporate interests on behalf of working Americans.
Flanagan, twice elected alongside Governor Tim Walz, supports Medicare for all and has characterized opponent Representative Angie Craig as a corporate Democrat. Craig won a battleground House seat in 2018 and emphasizes her legislative achievements, including efforts to cap insulin prices at $35 for Medicare recipients.
The contest reflects broader party divisions following a compromise between moderate Democrats and Republicans to end the government shutdown, which Sanders opposed. While Flanagan has endorsements from Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, Craig has secured support from Representative Hakeem Jeffries, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and Representative Nancy Pelosi.
Flanagan, twice elected alongside Governor Tim Walz, supports Medicare for all and has characterized opponent Representative Angie Craig as a corporate Democrat. Craig won a battleground House seat in 2018 and emphasizes her legislative achievements, including efforts to cap insulin prices at $35 for Medicare recipients.
The contest reflects broader party divisions following a compromise between moderate Democrats and Republicans to end the government shutdown, which Sanders opposed. While Flanagan has endorsements from Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, Craig has secured support from Representative Hakeem Jeffries, Senator Tammy Baldwin, and Representative Nancy Pelosi.
