Flanagan visits Northland for ‘kitchen-table discussions’

When incumbent U.S. Senator Tina Smith announced that her current term would be her last, several candidates have thrown their hat in the ring to fill the seat in 2026.

Those declared include Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who has served in that role since 2019.

Since announcing her candidacy in February, Flanagan has started a tour of what her campaign has termed “kitchen-table conversations” across the state.

On March 11, the tour made two stops in the Northland, first in Hibbing, then in Duluth.

“We need to push back on just the absolute chaos that we see in Washington. And I think a lot of that starts just in community rooms.” Flanagan said in an interview with WDIO.

During her visit to Duluth, she asked community members three questions: What worries you? Who are you fighting for? What gives you hope?

Those at the meeting were then shared amongst their tables, wrote answers down, and spoke with Flanagan directly. She says she’s heard a lot of similar answers on her tour.

“People are worried about the future. They’re worried about the economy, their ability to just afford their lives. And they’re worried about protecting their neighbors. And I think in Minnesota, we care about each other.”

Flanagan says conversations like these will help her develop messaging for the campaign, as she works to learn what’s on the minds of Minnesotans. One thing she says she’s certain on is listen to everyone, regardless of their political position.

“I think my job right now is to show up and listen. I think folks just want somebody to listen, to their fears, their frustrations. But also, what kind of future they want for their families. I’m willing to sit down and talk to anybody. And that’s what this campaign is going to be about.”

Flanagan will vie for her party’s nomination during the primary election in August. Fellow DFLer Melisa López Franzen, a former state Senator, has also announced her candidacy.

Republican candidates include Royce White, who ran unsuccessfully as the GOP’s nominee for Senate in 2024.