Retiring Sen. Tina Smith endorsed Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan on Monday, Feb. 2, in the race to fill her senate seat.
Flanagan and 2nd Congressional District Rep. Angie Craig are both vying for the Democratic nomination.
The endorsements highlighted by both campaigns show the reach and intensity of the race.
Craig’s campaign website details dozens of endorsements by local leaders, party officials, national politicians and labor organizations, from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to Crow Wing County DFLer Denise Slipy.
Flanagan’s supporters include Sen. Bernie Sanders, Attorney General Keith Ellison, dozens of state representatives and now Smith.
Smith's endorsement comes at a key moment, with party members set to share their thoughts on the nomination at caucus meetings Tuesday.
Their opinions will help indicate the party’s appetite for progressives vs. centrists ahead of the midterm elections.
Flanagan has long positioned herself as a progressive fighter, while Craig has in the past campaigned on bipartisanship in her purple southeastern Minnesota district.
The DFL will endorse a candidate in May, but Craig said she will continue her campaign until the August primary, even if she doesn't win the nomination.
