Minnesota Senate candidate struggles to identify common ground with Trump

Flanagan, Minnesota’s Democratic nominee for Senate, is campaigning against Republican Michele Tafoya in a race that Republicans believe presents a unique opportunity to capture a traditionally Democratic state. Flanagan’s response highlighted the intense partisan divide in Minnesota, where she has portrayed Tafoya as a supporter of Trump and has pledged to oppose his administration’s policies.

“I just want to be really clear that I’ve got a long track record of working with folks on the other side of the aisle,” Flanagan stated to Fox News’ Bill Melugin when questioned about potential areas of cooperation with Trump. She cited her work at the Children’s Defense Fund–Minnesota and her time in the Minnesota Legislature, where she worked with a Republican majority to pass bipartisan legislation, as evidence of her ability to compromise.

Flanagan’s focus on opposing Trump’s agenda informs her campaign, including calls to dismantle Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), implement Medicare for All, and reverse cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. She accused Trump of using his presidency to enrich himself.

“Right now, I’m deeply concerned about the Trump administration, the continued grift, making money hand over fist directly from the Oval Office,” Flanagan told Melugin.

She further explained that voters on the campaign trail have expressed a desire for someone who will serve as a “check” on Trump, rather than an ally, and that she intends to prioritize that role.

The race has become unexpectedly competitive after Tafoya narrowed the gap in Minnesota, prompting Fox News to shift its rating from “Likely Democrat” to “Lean Democrat.” Tafoya has criticized Flanagan for her role as lieutenant governor under Democratic Governor Tim Walz during a fraud scandal, and has linked her to progressive policies like Medicare for All and abolishing ICE.

Tafoya has attempted to distance herself from Trump, emphasizing her support for abortion rights and stating, “I’m a pro-choice Republican not afraid to stand up to my party. When Trump is right, I will work with him. When he is wrong, I will stand up for Minnesota.” Despite this, Trump publicly endorsed Tafoya at a rally in Ohio.