Minnesota Republicans have made it crystal clear which Democrat they're hoping to face in the 2026 Senate race – and it's not who you'd expect. GOP strategists are openly rooting for Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan to win the Democratic primary, viewing her as the most beatable candidate in what could be a shocking Senate pickup opportunity.
According to sources within the Minnesota Republican Party, Flanagan's radical left-wing record makes her particularly vulnerable in a state that's been trending more competitive. While Minnesota hasn't elected a Republican to the Senate since 2002, GOP operatives believe 2026 could be different – especially if they're facing Flanagan.
"Peggy Flanagan represents everything wrong with today's Democratic Party," said one Republican strategist who requested anonymity. "Her extreme positions on defunding police, open borders, and woke ideology are exactly what Minnesota voters are getting tired of."
Flanagan, who has served as Tim Walz's lieutenant governor, carries significant baggage from the administration's handling of the 2020 Minneapolis riots and their embrace of far-left policies that have driven crime rates up and businesses out of the Twin Cities. Her record includes supporting sanctuary city policies and backing the controversial police "reform" measures that have left Minneapolis residents less safe.
Trump Coattails Could Flip Minnesota Red
The calculation isn't just about Flanagan's weaknesses – it's about President Trump's growing strength in the Upper Midwest. Trump came within striking distance of winning Minnesota in both 2016 and 2020, and with his proven track record now in his second term, Republicans believe the state is ripe for flipping.
The GOP's confidence also stems from growing voter frustration with Democratic governance in Minnesota. From rising crime in Minneapolis to economic policies that have hurt working families, voters are increasingly questioning whether the Democratic Party still represents their values.
Will Minnesota Republicans get their wish? And more importantly, could 2026 be the year the GOP finally breaks through in the Land of 10,000 Lakes? With Trump leading a conservative resurgence nationwide, don't count it out.