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MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. Rep. Angie Craig has officially entered the race for a U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by Sen. Tina Smith, who is stepping down. This announcement marks another significant entry by a Minnesota Democrat into what is becoming an increasingly competitive electoral landscape.
In a compelling launch video, Craig reiterated her commitment to “breaking through the chaos” while decrying what she perceives as an erosion of rights facilitated by both the current presidential administration and a Republican Party she describes as complacent.
The 53-year-old political figure took this step following a series of town hall meetings held in the four congressional districts represented by Minnesota Republicans, including Majority Whip Tom Emmer. These meetings were designed to outline the distinctions between Democratic values and the policies advocated by President Trump and his allies in Congress.
Sen. Smith, a fellow Democrat, announced in February that she would not seek reelection, prompting a rush among Democrats vying to fill what will be an open seat—a critical factor in determining Senate control post-2026.
Leading the charge is Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who has been actively campaigning statewide and accumulating endorsements from notable figures such as Attorney General Keith Ellison and former U.S. Senator Al Franken. She raised over $450,000 in the initial quarter of her campaign.
Additionally, former state Senator Melisa López Franzen entered the race in March, garnering support from various current and former officials. She reported raising more than $260,000 within her first three weeks in the campaign.
However, Craig is currently in a robust financial position, having raised over $1.2 million during the first quarter of her House campaign, which she is now able to redirect toward her Senate bid.
Craig has a background as a medical device executive and a former journalist. She and her spouse, Cheryl, are parents to four adult sons. Recently, she has faced serious threats to her safety, including being obliged to relocate due to a violent altercation in her apartment building earlier this year.
Since her election in 2018, Craig has represented Minnesota’s suburban-to-rural 2nd District, having unseated Republican Jason Lewis. Once regarded as a swing district, it has leaned Democratic in recent elections. In the last election, she successfully maintained her seat by a margin of 13 points. However, her departure opens a scenario where the district could shift back toward competitiveness.
Among the Republican candidates, noteworthy figures are grassroots candidate Royce White, a former NBA player who previously challenged U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Adam Schwarze, a former congressional candidate and Marine Corps veteran.
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abcnews.go.com