Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) urged Minnesota voters to support Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (D-Minn.) in the upcoming U.S. Senate race.
The endorsement signals a push to shift the state's political landscape toward grassroots progressivism as the primary election approaches.
Sanders spoke at a rally held at First Avenue in Minneapolis, where he presented Flanagan as a champion for the working class. He said that the state's political system is being dominated by Big Tech, crypto interests, AIPAC, and super PACs funded by billionaires [2, 4].
Sanders argued that supporting Flanagan is necessary to counteract the influence of these powerful donors and special-interest groups. He said these entities have failed working-class families [4, 5].
In a separate appearance on "Face the Nation" on Aug. 9, 2026 [1], Sanders discussed the political climate surrounding the contest. He said the bid is competitive, saying, "I think it's going to be a tight race" [1].
The senator's campaign efforts in Minnesota emphasize a rejection of corporate-funded politics. By framing Flanagan as a grassroots alternative, Sanders is attempting to mobilize voters who feel alienated by the influence of wealthy donors in the legislative process [2, 4].
“The state's political system is being dominated by crypto interests, AIPAC, Big Tech, and billionaire‑funded super PACs.”
This endorsement represents a strategic effort to align the Minnesota Senate race with a national progressive movement. By explicitly targeting the influence of crypto and Big Tech donors, Sanders is attempting to frame the election as a choice between corporate-backed interests and grassroots representation, which could influence voter turnout among the progressive wing of the Democratic party.
