A financial scandal involving the state’s welfare program may not only become the top concern heading into the election, but also the potential undoing of Flanagan’s campaign.

The fraud investigation launched by the Trump administration alleges that Minnesota officials misappropriated federal funding intended to be used for children, autism, and welfare food-based programs, dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors alleged that nearly $9 billion in federal funding was misused by Minnesota, prompting the administration to conduct raids throughout the state.

The raids targeted the Somali community, as the accused conspirators are of Somali descent. An influencer documented Somali-Americans allegedly running fake child-care centers in the state. This coalesced into the ICE raids, which shook up the community, giving Flanagan a platform to express her anti-ICE sentiment and to “avenge Minnesota.”

The controversies played a role in Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's refusal to run for reelection in November.

Flanagan, who overcame her competitor, Angie Craig, by 20 points on Tuesday, may face attacks from her Republican opponent, Tafoya, over her role in state government during the welfare fraud investigation.

"The lieutenant governor, even as we sit here today, continues to take absolutely no accountability for any of the fraud issues, and she continues to blame the governor," Craig said.

Tafoya, who defeated former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze by nearly 30 points, has been positioned by her party as the strong choice to overcome Flanagan and take the Senate seat.

Following her win on Tuesday, Tafoya said the state was going in the wrong direction, adding that the issues are not a matter of political affiliations, but rather common sense.

“They’ve turned our state into a national embarrassment. I love this state. My husband and I fell in love here, raised our family here, and built our lives here. I will not sit by and let the state we call home become a laughingstock,” Tafoya said. "We will not reelect politicians who let criminals steal billions and treat accountability as optional. We deserve better, and it’s time we demand better.”

Known for her time as a sideline reporter for NBC's Sunday Night Football, Tafoya is no stranger to voicing her opinions. Combined with her established presence and her stance on the immigration raids and on Gov. Walz's administration, Tafoya maintained a strong lead heading into and following the primaries.

But will it be enough to capture the Senate seat in November?

Democrats have held the Minnesota Senate seat for 24 years; however, the decision to nominate Flanagan may jeopardize that position.

Progressive Democrats, like Flanagan, have been gaining momentum in the primaries, scoring more wins than losses; however, what may be perceived as radical ideologies, like her promise of "radical change," including "ripping apart" federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement and expanding Medicare to cover everyone, could end up sinking their ticket.

Emerson College Polling ran a hypothetical Senate matchup poll for the February race between Flanagan and Tafoya, with the Democratic nominee favored 47% to 41%. The expectation is that voters will change their opinions regarding their candidate of choice come November; however, polling suggests the decision may not be clear-cut.

Tafoya voiced support for Trump’s handling of the ICE raids in Minnesota, which may help solidify the Republican vote, but it remains to be seen whether this will influence her odds of winning over the general electorate.

Flanagan now seeks to rally support from moderate voters, who backed Craig in the primary, saying in her post-win speech, “I will bust my tail to earn your votes and, most importantly, your trust. I need you in this fight. Minnesota needs you in this fight.”