Tim Walz’s wife endorses Angie Craig for Senate as outgoing governor stays mum
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has not publicly endorsed a candidate in the state’s Democratic Senate primary race. However, his wife, Gwen Walz, endorsed Rep. Angie Craig, highlighting her ability to win across the state and her centrist stance, contrasting with her opponent Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s more progressive platform backed by bernie Sanders. Gwen’s endorsement signals support for Craig’s approach over Flanagan’s, which is perceived as more aligned with the progressive wing.
Tim Walz is stepping back from the race amid ongoing controversy related to a fraud scandal involving his administration. Flanagan, also affected by the scandal, has distanced herself from Walz, emphasizing her independence and her desire to forge her own path in the campaign. While Flanagan advocates for a more progressive agenda, Craig has maintained a bipartisan focus and opposition to Donald Trump’s policies. The race is considered competitive, with national analysts viewing Craig as more electorally viable against republicans, who prefer to face Flanagan due to the scandal association.
The Minnesota primaries are scheduled for August 11,with polls showing a close contest between Craig and Flanagan. On the Republican side, sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya is leading in polls, although Minnesota has favored Democratic candidates in recent presidential elections.
Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) has still not weighed in on the Minnesota Democratic Senate primary race with an endorsement, but on Monday, his wife did.
Minnesota’s first lady, Gwen Walz, backed Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) in her race against Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (D-MN) to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by retiring Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN). Gwen Walz’s endorsement of Craig is not only a diss to her husband’s lieutenant governor but also a signal in favor of the more centrist platform Craig has promoted over Flanagan’s progressive agenda.
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“In an era when everything we hold dear is at stake, we need a nominee who can win statewide—in red counties and blue. And that’s Angie. Her heart’s as big as Minnesota and her record of winning tough races speaks for itself. She has the savvy, the focus, and the work ethic necessary to get the job done and keep this seat blue,” Gwen Walz said in her endorsement message.
Tim Walz has not yet endorsed in the race, as he heads for the exit following the fraud scandal gripping his administration. Flanagan, who has also been engulfed in putting out the fire of the Minnesota fraud scandal, has also distanced herself from the outgoing governor who picked her as his running mate in 2017, telling Kare11 she has a “good relationship” with Tim Walz but saying that “it’s been important for me to step out on my own” during the Senate campaign. The two have reportedly had friction dating back to 2024.
While Flanagan has touted a more progressive agenda, backed by the likes of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Craig has stuck to her bipartisan record and to fighting the Trump administration’s agenda. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and much of the Democratic establishment have backed Craig.
As the Cook Political Report, which rates the race a “Likely D,” puts it: “National Republicans would much rather face the progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan — whom they can more easily link to the state’s expansive fraud scandal – than centrist Rep. Angie Craig.”
The Minnesota primaries are set for Aug. 11, with polls bouncing back and forth between Craig and Flanagan.
On the GOP side, sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya is leading in primary polling. The state has voted Democratic in the last three presidential elections.
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