The clashing over which direction the party should follow has been one of, if not the main, concern for Democrats, and after progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed defeated U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in last week’s Michigan Senate primary, all eyes are set to see if that momentum will continue in Minnesota, or if the more moderate faction will win the night.

The Clash for Senate

Six candidates are vying for the Democratic Senate nomination in Minnesota, including Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who is backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, who has represented the 2nd Congressional District since 2019.

While both candidates aim to oppose President Donald Trump’s administration, the similarities end there, as they bitterly fight for top billing.

Angie Craig, Peggy Flanagan
Credit: Angie Craig, Peggy Flanagan

Pictured above: Peggy Flanagan (left), Angie Craig (right)

Flanagan, during a mid-July press conference, argued that secretive groups are working to elect Craig, who maintains a moderate approach and support from senior Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Flanagan told reporters, “What we are facing right now in our party is the very folks who are standing in the way of the things that people need to be able to afford their lives, who are Democrats, are funded by these corporate special interests. That is the choice I think that we have, and people are onto it.”

Countering Flanagan’s claims, Craig said her rival raised campaign funds from major companies while chair of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, while also highlighting a target on the progressive candidate’s back regarding an ongoing fraud inquiry into the state’s Medicaid programs.

Competing for the Republican Senate nomination are nine candidates; among those contending are former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya; former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze, and former professional basketball player Royce White, who has recently made headlines challenging the WNBA’s definition of the term “woman” by declaring himself as a candidate in the 2027 draft.

Financially, Tafoya leads the candidates, whose campaign has collected about $5.3 million. Her platform leans heavily into immigration policies, taking a firm stance on the crackdowns occurring in Minnesota and siding with federal law enforcement.

Adam Schwarze, Michele Tafoya
Credit: Adam Schwarze, Michele Tafoya

Pictured Above: Adam Schwarze (left), Michele Tafoya (right)

Schwarze’s platform aims to maintain free elections, end economic corruption, and achieve energy independence.

Having not held the Senate seat in over 20 years, whoever becomes the Republican nominee will have an uphill battle against the Democratic opponent.

Who’s Fighting for Governor?

Backed by President Donald Trump’s endorsement, MyPillow founder Mike Lindell has been leading the pack for the Republican Governor nomination.

The competitive race to replace Gov. Tim Walz, who has chosen not to seek a third term, sees Republican candidates clashing over how the party should move forward.

While Trump’s endorsement has been seen as a positive for GOP hopefuls, in Minnesota the president has lost the state in his three bids for the White House, raising concerns that his position may be more of a hindrance than an advantage for the Republican hopeful’s bid for governor.

Regardless, Lindell has proudly leaned into the endorsement, saying during one of his campaign rallies, “I have an advantage over everyone up here. I can call up and work with the President of the United States.”

Hot on Lindell’s trail are Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth and former healthcare executive Kendall Qualls, of whom the latter has secured the GOP endorsement for governor.

Facing minimal opposition for the Democratic nomination, U.S. Sen Amy Klobuchar is predicted as the frontrunner ahead of her six opponents, raising an impressive $9.3 million for her campaign.

Critics of Klobuchar say she will handle her position as governor similarly to Walz, who faced federal scrutiny over the state government's handling of massive fraud within social service and welfare programs.

To counter claims, Klobuchar outlined her top priorities for holding the government accountable, expressing her intent to transform the institution into one that is “innovative,” “effective,” and “accountable.”

Polls close at 8 p.m. CT.