Minnesota voters head to the polls on Tuesday, August 13 to cast ballots in the state’s primary election, with one of the most closely watched races featuring a contest between Rep. Angie Craig (D-MI) and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Senate.
The primary will also determine candidates for other statewide offices, including governor and attorney general, as well as legislative seats ahead of the November midterm elections. Minnesota does not require party registration, but voters may only select candidates from one political party on their ballot.
Key races and decisions
The U.S. Senate primary between Craig and Flanagan has drawn national attention as a test of the Democratic Party’s ideological direction following recent electoral setbacks. Craig, who has positioned herself as a pragmatic Democrat, has emphasized electability and received endorsements from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and other party leaders. Flanagan, in contrast, has aligned herself with the progressive wing, earning support from Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
At a campaign rally with Sanders last month, Flanagan criticized Craig’s backers, stating: “They know that she will do their bidding, and I won’t.” Craig’s campaign has countered by highlighting her fundraising advantage and record of winning competitive races.
Statewide and legislative contests
All 201 legislative seats in Minnesota are up for election in November, with 11 incumbent lawmakers facing primary challenges. The primary ballot includes races for governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state auditor, and an open U.S. Senate seat. Voters can confirm their polling locations and view sample ballots via the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.
Voting rules and participation
Minnesota’s open primary system allows any registered voter to participate, but they must choose one party’s ballot—either Democratic or Republican—and may not split their vote between parties. Ballots will list candidates by party, with Democrats on one side and Republicans on the other. Selecting candidates from more than one party will invalidate the ballot.
Where to vote
Polling places are determined by residential address. Voters can check their assigned location and view a sample ballot online prior to casting their vote. Early voting is also available in Minnesota, with deadlines varying by county.
Implications for November
The outcome of Tuesday’s primary could shape the Democratic Party’s strategy in battleground races nationwide. Moderate Democrats, such as those represented by the group Third Way, argue that nominees must appeal beyond the party’s liberal base to win general elections. Katie deGruyter, a senior vice president at Third Way, stated: “There are three conservatives for every two liberals in every single battleground state. So just sheer mathematics shows that Democrats have to win more moderates.”
The Senate race is seen as critical for control of the chamber, with national observers closely monitoring whether progressive or pragmatic candidates can build broader coalitions.