Overview
- Smith, who will retire at the end of her term, announced her support in a video and called Flanagan a "fierce fighter" as Minnesota sees stepped-up federal immigration enforcement.
- Flanagan faces Craig for the Democratic nomination, with Flanagan positioned to the left and Craig emphasizing a more moderate, bridge-building profile.
- Recent polling shows Flanagan ahead, including a January Public Policy Polling survey with a 12-point lead and an Impact Research poll with a three-point advantage.
- The contenders have split high-profile backing, with Flanagan endorsed by Bernie Sanders and Al Franken and Craig supported by Hakeem Jeffries and Pete Buttigieg.
- Republicans David Hann, Michele Tafoya and Royce White have entered the race, and nonpartisan forecasters currently rate the seat Likely Democratic ahead of the Aug. 11 primary.