U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders headlined a rally for Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan on July 20, 2026, at First Avenue in Minneapolis, throwing his progressive weight behind her bid for the Democratic nomination in an open U.S. Senate race scheduled for a primary vote on August 11.
Sanders, an independent from Vermont revered among progressive Democrats, gave a full-throated endorsement of Flanagan’s candidacy. “What Peggy knows, what I know, these guys are finally going to start paying their fair share of taxes,” Sanders said at the event, referring to billionaires. “We’re not going to let billionaires get richer and avoid taxes while people sleep out on the street and kids go hungry.”
The rally drew around 1,000 supporters to the iconic Minneapolis music venue. Flanagan, who has served as Minnesota’s lieutenant governor since 2019, is competing against U.S. Rep. Angie Craig for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party nomination for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Tina Smith. Also appearing at the rally were U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Smith herself, who has endorsed Flanagan.
Flanagan has centered her campaign on the theme “money versus the many,” emphasizing that she is fighting for working people against corporate interests. “This campaign is about the money versus the many. I am part of the many. You are part of the many. I am betting on us,” she said at the event. She has campaigned on progressive priorities including Medicare for All and paid family and medical leave.
Sanders’ endorsement of Flanagan is part of a broader 2026 strategy to push the Democratic caucus in the Senate further to the left. According to MPR News, Sanders is also working to elect his preferred candidates in Michigan and Maine, seeking to strengthen the progressive wing of the party. Sanders endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Senate race and Graham Platner in Maine, as part of his effort to shape the Democratic Party’s direction in the current election cycle.
Recent polling shows Flanagan building momentum. A poll conducted in late July found Flanagan leading Craig 46 percent to 32 percent among likely Democratic primary voters, according to multiple sources—a 14-point margin that had doubled from earlier polling. Flanagan won the DFL Party endorsement in May, a significant advantage in Minnesota Democratic politics.
Outside spending has heavily favored Craig’s campaign. Groups supporting both candidates have poured millions into television advertising, with Craig’s allies significantly outspending Flanagan’s backers. Flanagan has made the funding disparity a centerpiece of her message, arguing that corporate interests are attempting to block her from reaching the general election.
Sources
- MPR News — detailed account of Sanders rally at First Avenue, Flanagan’s campaign messaging, and Sanders’ strategy across Michigan and Maine
- Ballotpedia — Sanders endorsement of Flanagan, primary election date of August 11, 2026, and campaign finance figures
- Native News Online — July 30, 2026 polling showing Flanagan leading Craig 46% to 32%
- Reuters Connect — confirmation of Sanders campaigning for Flanagan in Minneapolis on July 20, 2026
