Why It Matters
Peggy Flanagan won Minnesota’s U.S. Senate seat and became the first Native American woman elected to the chamber. She will succeed Sen. Tina Smith.
What Happened
Flanagan defeated Republican Michele Tafoya and delivered her victory speech Tuesday in St. Paul. She is an enrolled member of White Earth Nation and previously served as Minnesota’s lieutenant governor.
Four enrolled tribal members have served in the U.S. Senate, and all were men. Michael Fairbanks, chairman of White Earth, said, “This really means a lot for White Earth.”
Flanagan supports Medicare for All, universal childcare and increasing the minimum wage to $17 an hour. During her victory speech, she said, “The grift stops now.”
Before becoming lieutenant governor, Flanagan served on the Minneapolis School Board, led the Children’s Defense Fund of Minnesota and won a seat in the Minnesota House in 2015. Tim Walz selected her as his running mate in 2017, and the two were elected the next year.
By the Numbers
Tuesday — Flanagan’s election and victory speech
$17 an hour — Minimum wage Flanagan supports
4 — Enrolled tribal members who have served in the U.S. Senate
11 — Tribal nations in Minnesota
575 — Federally recognized tribes
2015 — Year Flanagan won a seat in the Minnesota House
2017 — Year Walz selected Flanagan for his gubernatorial ticket
Zoom Out
Flanagan’s Senate victory follows her work in Minnesota state government, where she helped reshape the state’s relationship with tribal nations. Initiatives under the Walz-Flanagan administration included expanded consultation with tribal leaders, restoration of thousands of acres of land, protection of tribal gambling interests, support for an emerging tribal cannabis industry and creation of the first state office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives.
Progressive standard-bearers who previously held the seat include Paul Wellstone and Al Franken. Minnesota Republicans last won a Senate race in 2002.
What’s Next
Flanagan will take the Senate seat vacated by Smith. Her stated policy priorities include Medicare for All, universal childcare and a $17-an-hour minimum wage.