Flanagan leads polling, Craig tops fundraising in U.S. Senate race

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(The Center Square) – Considered one of the key national races of the 2026 election season, the Minnesota Senate primary is heating up.

So far, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan heads up the pack on the Democrat side in polling, while U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minnesota, leads in funding.

A recent poll from GQR found Flanagan (49%) leading Craig (36%) by 13%. Of those polled though, 15% said they are still undecided.

Other January polls saw a similar percentage breakdown, though some outliers have Flanagan leading by as much as 30% or as little as 3%.

On the flip side, Craig is far outpacing Flanagan in fundraising.

According to the latest data from the U.S. Federal Election Commission, Craig had $3.8 million cash-on-hand, compared to just $811,000 for Flanagan.

The candidates have spent nearly comparable amounts though. So far, Craig’s campaign has disbursed $3 million to Flanagan’s $2.5 million.

This race will be decided in the Aug. 11 primary.

Republicans are seeing a bit more competition.

Notable candidates include former NBA player Royce White, sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya, and former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze.

So far, Schwarze is leading in fundraising, according to the latest data from the FEC. Tafoya joined the race after the last fundraising deadline.

According to the Cook Political Report, the Minnesota U.S. Senate race is predicted to be likely Democrat. It is expected to be one of the bell-weather races set to determine the balance of congressional power.

The seat is currently held by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat. Klobuchar has held the seat since winning it in 2006. She recently announced she is running for Minnesota governor.

A Republican candidate has not won a U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota since 2002.