Minnesota Senate Primary Results 2026: Minnesota voters went to the polls Tuesday, August 11, to decide the nominees for the state’s open U.S. Senate seat. As of August 12, projections and reports from major news organizations indicate that Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has defeated U.S. Rep. Angie Craig in the Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary, while Republican Michele Tafoya has won the Republican Primary nomination. The results set up a November general-election contest between Flanagan and Tafoya for the Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.
Minnesota Senate Primary Results 2026: Peggy Flanagan Wins Democratic Nomination
Peggy Flanagan emerged victorious in the closely watched Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary, defeating Rep. Angie Craig. The contest attracted significant attention because it pitted Flanagan, a progressive backed by prominent figures on the Democratic left, against Craig, a more centrist member of Congress. The race was considered one of Minnesota’s most competitive primary contests.
As the source reported that Flanagan won the Democratic nomination, describing the result as a victory for the progressive wing of the party.
Flanagan had campaigned on issues including reducing corporate influence in politics and opposing President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Her campaign also benefited from support from progressive national figures, including Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
Minnesota Senate Primary Results 2026 Live:Â Michele Tafoya Wins Republican Senate Primary
On the Republican side, former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya won the GOP Senate nomination, according to an Associated Press projection reported by Axios. Tafoya defeated a field that included party-endorsed veteran Adam Schwarze and former 2024 Senate nominee Royce White. Although Tafoya did not receive the Minnesota Republican Party’s endorsement earlier in the year, her name recognition and fundraising operation helped her establish a strong position in the primary. The Republican field included nine candidates, while six Democrats competed for their party’s nomination, according to Fox 9.
Minnesota Senate Primary Results 2026 Live:Â Minnesota Senate Race Heads to November
With Flanagan and Tafoya emerging as the respective nominees, the Minnesota Senate contest now moves to the November general election.
The race is expected to attract national attention because Democrats are defending an open Senate seat in a state that has traditionally leaned Democratic in statewide elections. At the same time, Republicans see an opportunity to compete for the seat amid political battles over immigration, government spending and controversies surrounding Minnesota’s public-funds fraud cases.
Flanagan will enter the general election with the Democratic advantage in a state that has not elected a Republican statewide since 2006, according to the reports. Republicans, however, will seek to make the race competitive.Â
Minnesota Senate Primary Results 2026 Live:Â Why the Minnesota Senate Primary Mattered
The Democratic primary was particularly significant because the winner will inherit the task of defending a Senate seat without an incumbent on the November ballot.
Flanagan’s victory also represents a notable win for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Her primary battle with Craig focused on differences over immigration policy, corporate influence and the direction of the Democratic Party.
For Republicans, Tafoya’s nomination gives the party a nationally recognizable candidate with significant name recognition. Her victory also came despite not receiving the state party’s endorsement.
Minnesota Senate Primary Results 2026: What’s Next?
The primary is now over, but vote counting and certification procedures will continue before the results become official.
The November general election will feature:
- Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party: Peggy Flanagan
- Republican Party: Michele Tafoya
The general election will determine who succeeds Tina Smith in the U.S. Senate.
Disclaimer: This article is based on election projections and reports from major news organizations available on August 12, 2026. Final results remain subject to completion of vote counting and the applicable certification process
