OAN Staff Sophia Flores
10:22 PM – Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Democrat Peggy Flanagan has defeated Republican Michele Tafoya to become the next senator of the North Star State.
When 94% of the total vote was counted, the Associated Press called the race for Flanagan who received 1,474,473 votes or 54%, while Tafoya received 1,164,873 or 42%.
Flanagan's platform emphasized "strengthening economic security for working families, protecting social safety programs, and lowering everyday costs." Her federal proposals include raising the national minimum wage to at least $17 per hour and expanding tuition assistance and loan forgiveness for essential public-sector workers, as well as capping prescription drug costs for all Americans.
She advocates for federal "Right to Repair" protections for farmers, and calls for aggressive action to "expand affordable housing access while banning corporate landlords from buying single-family homes."
On social and civil rights issues, Flanagan pledges to codify abortion "rights" at the federal level, champion criminal justice reform alongside investments in local law enforcement, and support specialized protections like the Justice for Native Survivors of Sexual Violence Act.
Tafoya's campaign aligned itself with several priorities associated with President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, including securing the southern border, reducing government spending and fraud, lowering taxes, supporting law enforcement, and protecting women's sports.
The American journalist and former sports broadcaster also emphasized election security, parental rights in education, and challenging what she describes as Minnesota's political establishment. Her campaign presents these positions as part of an effort to bring a more conservative approach to Minnesota and Washington.
While she was not endorsed by Trump, she received an early endorsement from Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).
The two candidates went head to head to fill the spot of Tina Smith (D-Minn.), who has served as a Minnesota senator since 2018.
The other Minnesota senator seat belongs to Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Her current term runs through January 2031. However, should she win her race to be the next governor of Minnesota, her spot will be up for grabs in a special election.
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