ST.PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s attorney general, Keith Ellison, has ended speculation that he might run for the U.S. Senate. He endorsed Peggy Flanagan. In a fist-bumping session staged for television, Ellison praised Flanagan for public service back to when she was on the Minneapolis school board. Ellison, a Democrat, himself once a six-term member of Congress, said: “This is a time when we need leaders in Washington who have the guts to stand up and fight for us. My friend Peggy Flanagan has never backed down from a fight.” Flanagan is in her second term as lieutenant governor. The U.S. Senate seat is being vacated by the retirement of Democrat Tina Smith. Other announced candidates:
Important Endorsement. Peggy Flanagan from Attorney General Keith Ellison.
> Melisa López Franzen, a former Democratic state senator from south and west Minneapolis suburbs.
> Adam Schwarze, a Republican and former Navy SEAL who has never held public office.
> Royce White, a Republican and former professional basketball player, who lost a 2024 bid for the U.S. Senate.
On political observers’ shortlists still: Angie Craig, a Democrat in the U.S. House from south Twin Cities suburbs since 2019.
Earlier: Flanagan campaigning for U.S. Senate