Trump's immigration crackdown looms over Minnesota's bruising Senate primary
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Minnesota's Democratic U.S. Senate primary is being influenced by debates over immigration policy, particularly President Trump's past actions.
- Incumbent U.S. Rep. Angie Craig faces a challenge from Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, with immigration being a key point of contention.
- The primary echoes broader national divisions between progressive and centrist Democrats.
The upcoming Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota is unfolding against the backdrop of intense immigration debates, largely shaped by former President Donald Trump's past policies. The race features establishment-backed U.S. Representative Angie Craig and the more progressive Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. Immigration has become a significant point of division, reflecting broader ideological splits seen in Democratic primaries across the country this year. Craig's voting record on immigration enforcement, including a vote for tighter controls early in Trump's term which she later expressed regret over, has drawn criticism from Flanagan's campaign. Flanagan's supporters, like Bryce Bohne, a teacher and owner of an educational tourism company, have stated that Craig's past decisions have alienated them permanently. The confrontation between protesters and immigration agents at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, which led to two deaths before Trump rescinded the deportation campaign, remains a potent symbol. Although the physical presence of agents and protesters has diminished, memorials to the deceased and ongoing vigils by volunteers serve as reminders of the past tensions. Craig, who previously won a Republican-held seat and defended it against significant opposition, is now facing scrutiny from the left. Her past votes as a swing-seat congresswoman are being highlighted as liabilities in her statewide Senate bid, prompting her to adopt more progressive language at recent events.
I think that's when she lost my vote permanently and that's why I will not vote for her no matter what.
Originally published by PBS NewsHour. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.