Peggy Flanagan wins Minnesota Senate race over Michele Tafoya

Peggy Flanagan's projected victory in Minnesota closes the door on one of the few pickup opportunities for Republicans in the Senate.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (D) is projected to win the state's Senate race, defeating Republican challenger Michele Tafoya, according to Decision Desk HQ. Flanagan, who has served as the state’s lieutenant governor since 2019, will replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.).

The race drew national attention amid scrutiny of Minnesota’s sprawling public-benefits fraud scandal.

Minnesota Democrat Peggy Flanagan held off former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya in a closely watched Senate race Tuesday, overcoming questions about her handling of multiple fraud scandals while serving as lieutenant governor in the administration of Governor Tim Walz.