Minnesota Senate Debate Focuses on Immigration and Fraud

In a heated second debate on Monday, July 27, the two leading Democratic candidates for Minnesota’s open U.S. Senate seat, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, clashed over immigration, fraud in state programs, and electability just two weeks before their August 11 primary. The forum, hosted in St. Paul, highlighted the deep divisions in a race that will determine who seeks to replace retiring Senator Tina Smith.

The debate centered on familiar but contentious issues, with Flanagan, a progressive, repeatedly criticizing Craig for her 2025 vote in favor of the Laken Riley Act. The legislation requires federal authorities to detain undocumented immigrants arrested for certain theft-related crimes. Flanagan argued the vote aligned Craig with former President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda and would be a liability in the general election. Craig, who has since expressed regret for the vote, defended her record and accused Flanagan of failing to take responsibility for a widespread fraud crisis that occurred during the administration of Governor Tim Walz, where Flanagan serves as lieutenant governor.

The fraud issue produced one of the most pointed exchanges. Craig...