ST. PAUL, Minn., – Craig and Flanagan Debate Key Issues Ahead of DFL U.S. Senate Primary
Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Angie Craig and Peggy Flanagan met for an MPR News debate on July 27, discussing their priorities for Minnesota ahead of the August 11 DFL primary election.
The candidates discussed abolishing or restructuring ICE, healthcare affordability, war in Iran and support for Israel, artificial intelligence and data centers, and prediction markets, presenting differing approaches while sharing concerns about the challenges facing Minnesotans.
Craig emphasized her experience serving in Congress and highlighted her record of working across party lines to advance legislation. During the discussion, she argued that she centered her campaign on her experience in Congress, arguing that her record of winning competitive elections and working across party lines makes her the strongest candidate to defeat Republicans in the general election. Throughout the debate, she emphasized government accountability, bipartisan leadership, and practical policy solutions, including a public healthcare option and reforms to immigration enforcement.
Flanagan focused on her experience as Minnesota’s lieutenant governor and outlined her vision for expanding opportunities for working families and tribal communities. She stated that Flanagan focused on a progressive vision for change, highlighting her record as Minnesota’s lieutenant governor and advocating for policies such as Medicare for All, stronger protections for working families, and expanded public investments. She also emphasized holding the Trump administration accountable, restructuring federal immigration enforcement, and prioritizing community-centered leadership and economic opportunity for all Minnesotans.
During closing statements, Craig encouraged voters to consider her congressional experience and legislative record, while Flanagan emphasized community leadership and grassroots organizing.
Craig: “Voters have to use their democracy in order to save democracy. I still believe in this country. We have to fight Trump. I know how to do that. But we also have to be able to reach across the aisle to get things done, and as an experienced leader, ready to go on day one in the U.S. Senate, that is exactly what I will do”.
Flanagan: “I will never bend to Donald Trump. I will always stand with Minnesotans… I stand with the people of Minnesota. I will be beholden only to you.”, “I’ve delivered on minimum wage, paid family and medical leave, feeding kids breakfast and lunch at school, and will continue to fight for a country, for a state, where everyone has an opportunity so that Minnesotans can afford the lives they want to live “.
The debate offered voters an opportunity to compare each candidate’s priorities before casting their ballots in the upcoming DFL primary. A recording of the full debate is available through MPR News for those who wish to hear each candidate’s remarks in full and review their statements directly.
Source: MPR News. “Angie Craig, Peggy Flanagan face off in Senate debate hosted by MPR News.” Story by Dana Ferguson. Originally published July 27th, 2026.
Read the original article:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/07/27/angie-craig-peggy-flanagan-senate-race-debate-hosted-by-mpr-news
