Minnesota Senate race tightens between Flanagan and Tafoya

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 23:33 · Archive

Minnesota's Democratic lieutenant governor Peggy Flanagan faces a closer-than-expected challenge from Republican Michele Tafoya in a Senate race where Republicans have not won statewide since 2006.

Minnesota's open Senate seat race has tightened unexpectedly in a state where Republicans have not won a statewide election since 2006. Democratic lieutenant governor Peggy Flanagan, who could become the first Native American woman to serve in the US Senate if elected, has seen her poll lead cut by frustration over a sprawling fraud scandal. The Cook Political Report shifted its rating on the race from 'likely Democrat' to 'lean Democrat' this week.

Republican challenger Michele Tafoya, a former NFL reporter, has made gains and is seen as a more pragmatic choice for Minnesota Republicans than previous candidates. She has positioned herself as a pro-choice Republican, though she has not detailed her specific stance on abortion access. Tafoya has also broken with the Trump administration on the Iran war, which she previously supported.

Flanagan has made hundreds of campaign stops across Minnesota, first winning a contested primary against a more moderate congresswoman and now facing Tafoya. Most polls still show Flanagan ahead, but her lead is not as large as those held by Democratic senator Amy Klobuchar, who is running for governor and facing Republican Minnesota house speaker Lisa Demuth.

How it is being reported

• Minnesota GOP Senate candidate Michele Tafoya on where she would break with Trump if electedNew polling shows Minnesota Republican Senate candidate Michele Tafoya making gains in her race against Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. CBS News correspondent Jonah Kaplan spoke with Tafoya about how she would serve as a check on President Trump if elected to the Senate.CBS News · 22 Oct, 23:10
• In reliably blue Minnesota, could Democrats do the unthinkable and lose a Senate seat?Frustration with a sprawling fraud scandal has cut Peggy Flanagan’s poll lead – could ex-NFL reporter Michele Tafoya win a first statewide election for Republicans in 20 years? As Democrats fight to regain control of the US Senate, hopes are rising in states – from Kansas to Texas – where they have not prevailed in decades. But in Minnesota, where Republicans have not won statewide election since 2006, the contest for an open Senate seat is closer than expected. Should Peggy Flanagan – the state’s Democratic lieutenant governor – win the election, she will be the first Native American woman…Guardian World · 22 Oct, 11:00

In this story: Peggy Flanagan · Michele Tafoya · Minnesota · Amy Klobuchar · Lisa Demuth · Cook Political Report

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