Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan is facing new pressure to drop out of the US Senate race after Governor Tim Walz decided not to seek re election. His exit follows a massive fraud scandal that has already led to dozens of criminal charges and growing political fallout.
GOP candidate says failure should not be rewarded
Republican Senate candidate Adam Schwarze, a former Navy SEAL, said Flanagan should also step aside. He compared the situation to the military, saying nobody earns a promotion when the team fails.
Schwarze argued that Flanagan helped lead an administration that raised taxes and failed to stop widespread fraud tied to state programs. He said Minnesotans deserve leaders who bring honesty and accountability back to government.
Top Republicans call on Democrats to rethink campaigns
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer also criticized Flanagan, along with Democratic Rep Angie Craig. He said both candidates should reconsider their Senate bids because they served during the period when fraud exploded across Minnesota.
Flanagan has worked closely with Walz for nearly two decades. She helped guide his first run for Congress and later became his running mate when he ran for governor. Walz has publicly praised her as a trusted partner in governing.
Fraud scandal continues to widen
Federal officials say more than 90 people have now been charged in what may be the largest COVID era fraud scheme in the country. Many of the suspects come from Minnesota’s Somali community. Prosecutors believe the total fraud amount could reach several billion dollars.
Flanagan has faced extra scrutiny after appearing at a Somali TV event wearing a hijab while expressing support for the community. Critics say she has not clearly addressed the fraud scandal despite her central role in the administration.
Rival asks why Flanagan stays silent
Schwarze questioned why Flanagan has not spoken more openly about the losses to taxpayers. He said it makes no sense for her to run for Senate while Walz steps aside during the scandal.
He called for major leadership change in the state and said voters deserve answers.
