Democratic Rep. Angie Craig launches 2026 Senate run promising to 'break through the chaos'

Democratic Congresswoman Angie Craig officially entered the Minnesota Senate race, promising to fight for Minnesotans' rights and freedoms.

In her announcement video, Craig sharply criticized President Donald Trump for "trampling our rights and freedoms as he profits," and called Elon Musk an "out-of-control, unelected billionaire trying to take control of our government and burn it to the ground."

She also denounced "cowardly congressional Republicans," positioning herself as a fighter willing to "break through the chaos" and "take them head on."

Highlighting her personal story, Craig framed herself as an underdog who rose from humble beginnings in a mobile home to a successful political career.

"We're proud Minnesotans — a state of fierce independence, freedom and community," she said. "It's why I'm running for US Senate: to listen, to fight for all of Minnesota and to win."

Her entry intensifies the Democratic primary for retiring Sen. Tina Smith's seat, a rare open contest in a state where Democrats have held Senate seats for decades but where recent elections have grown more competitive.

A competitive primary field and the Republican opportunity

Craig faces serious competition from other high-profile Democrats, including Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and former state Senate Minority Leader Melisa López Franzen.

Flanagan, who would become the first Native American woman in the Senate if elected, quickly secured endorsements from major figures like Attorney General Keith Ellison and former Sen. Al Franken.

Meanwhile, López Franzen emphasizes her legislative record and appeals to voters in a state she describes as "purple," warning that Minnesota's political landscape has tightened, with Trump losing the state by just four points in 2024.

On the Republican side, Royce White, who challenged Sen. Amy Klobuchar last cycle, and retired Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze have declared their bids.

Prominent conservative voice Michele Tafoya may also join the race.

While Democrats are favored, national Republicans see the open seat as a rare pickup opportunity — a critical calculation as Democrats fight to defend several vulnerable seats nationwide in their uphill battle to reclaim Senate control in 2026.

New Senate and governor bids put Trump at the center of US politics

Across the country, a similar political shift is underway.

In Michigan, Rep. Haley Stevens recently launched her Senate campaign, vowing to protect her state from "Trump's chaos" and economic instability.

In Tennessee, Rep. John Rose entered the governor's race, setting up a primary clash with Trump ally Sen. Marsha Blackburn.

Meanwhile, in Colorado, Sen. Michael Bennet announced his bid for governor, positioning himself as a key figure in countering Trump's growing influence at the state level.

And in New Jersey, Rep. Josh Gottheimer recently used a cutting-edge AI-powered ad to cast his gubernatorial campaign as a direct fight against Trump's political agenda.