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NewsNY Post PoliticsMay 4, 2026United States

Minnesota Senate Candidate Peggy Flanagan Criticizes Laken Riley Act at Campaign Rally

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, publicly criticized the federal Laken Riley Act during a campaign rally in Rochester. Flanagan highlighted her opposition to the law and criticized fellow Democrat Representative Angie Craig for her previous vote in favor of the legislation.

electionsimmigrationLaken Riley ActMinnesota politics
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Why It Matters

The Laken Riley Act, signed into law in 2025, grants federal immigration authorities expanded powers, and the candidates' positions on this law represent a key point of divergence in the Minnesota Democratic Senate primary.

Key Facts

  • Peggy Flanagan is running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by retiring Senator Tina Smith.
  • The Laken Riley Act was signed into law by President Trump in 2025.
  • Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) sponsored the Laken Riley Act.
  • Representative Angie Craig is the only Minnesota Democrat in Congress who voted for the Laken Riley Act.
  • Representative Angie Craig has publicly stated she regrets her vote for the Laken Riley Act.
  • Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar and Amy Klobuchar voted against the Laken Riley Act.
  • Peggy Flanagan received an endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders.
  • The Republican primary for the Minnesota Senate seat includes Royce White and Michele Tafoya.

Who's Mentioned

personRoyce White“Republican primary candidate for U.S. Senate”personPeggy Flanagan“Minnesota Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Senate candidate”personMichele Tafoya“Republican primary candidate for U.S. Senate”personBernie Sanders“U.S. Senator who endorsed Peggy Flanagan”personKeith Ellison“Minnesota Attorney General”personAngie Craig“U.S. Representative who voted for the Laken Riley Act and later expressed regret”personKatie Britt“U.S. Senator who sponsored the Laken Riley Act”personTina Smith“Retiring U.S. Senator who endorsed Peggy Flanagan”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”