Minnesota’s tightening Senate race is putting Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s record under a harsh spotlight, with Michele Tafoya hammering her over the massive welfare fraud that unfolded during Gov. Tim Walz’s tenure.
A recent report detailed Walz’s response to fraud involving the state’s housing, Medicaid, autism, and Feeding our Future programs.
The report did not mention Flanagan, despite her role as lieutenant governor throughout the administration.
Tafoya is making sure voters do not overlook that connection. With the race close, she is tying Flanagan directly to an administration that knew about the fraud and failed to act.
“Here’s a number that Peggy Flanagan doesn’t want you to see: 44 to 42,” Tafoya said.
She described that margin as evidence of how competitive the contest has become.
“That’s how close this Senate race is right now. It’s a statistical tie, according to several polls that came out this week,” Tafoya said.
Tafoya argued that the close polling is especially striking because Flanagan is the sitting lieutenant governor and enjoys support from the Democrat establishment, political organizations, and endorsers.
That advantage, Tafoya said, also comes with political baggage. Flanagan served as lieutenant governor while what Tafoya called the largest fraud catastrophe in Minnesota history unfolded.
“She was Lt. Gov. during the biggest fraud catastrophe in Minnesota history. And she wants you to pretend it didn’t happen,” Tafoya said.
Tafoya’s argument is blunt: Flanagan cannot claim the benefits of incumbency while distancing herself from the administration’s failures.
The Walz administration knew about the fraud and still failed to act.
“But it did. Under her watch. She can’t hide from that,” Tafoya said.
Her message leaves little room for Flanagan to separate herself from the record of the administration in which she served.
Tafoya also said Minnesotans do not want a senator who avoids responsibility for fraud or allows it to continue.
She pointed to her travels around the state and conversations with residents who are tired of political excuses.
“I’ve been all over the state, meeting Minnesotans who are done making excuses for their leaders,” Tafoya said.
She then urged supporters to turn their dissatisfaction into votes.
Absentee voting opens in Minnesota on September 18, according to Tafoya.
She told voters not to remain spectators as the race narrows, but instead to request ballots and cast their votes.
“So don’t just watch this race get close. Help me close it. Request your ballot, cast your vote,” Tafoya said.
Tafoya summarized Flanagan’s record with three words: “Fraud, chaos, excuses.”
She said she was finished watching politicians mishandle tax dollars and then present that conduct as leadership.
The criticism of Flanagan extends beyond the welfare fraud scandal.
She is a far left radical who supports gender mutilation of children, defunding the police, socialism, and efforts to tear down American history.
Her agenda also includes green energy schemes, Medicare for All, and reparations, all of which would cost Americans millions.
It further warns that her agenda would target the Senate, the Supreme Court, and the nation’s founding documents.
The stakes extend beyond Minnesota because the 2026 midterms will determine whether Republicans maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
That outcome will shape the future of President Trump’s America First agenda.
Tafoya’s closing pitch placed the choice squarely before Minnesota voters.
“If you are too, vote Michele Tafoya for U.S. Senate.”
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