Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) extended an endorsement to Minnesota Democratic Senate nominee Peggy Flanagan on Thursday as she moves to expand her progressive coalition and national profile.
Ocasio-Cortez framed Flanagan, who is currently serving as Gov. Tim Walz’s (D-MN) lieutenant governor, as a champion of affordability, a message Democrats have leaned into on the 2026 campaign trail.
“In a time of economic instability for working families, we must look to leaders that understand their pain,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “That’s why I’m proud to endorse Lt. Gov. of Minnesota Peggy Flanagan for U.S. Senate. Peggy will fight for working people in Minnesota to live dignified lives.”
Flanagan defeated Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), a more moderate candidate, in the state’s primary last month. Flanagan embraced the party’s progressive movement and won endorsements from Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) on the primary trail, while her opponent was backed by Democratic leadership.
Flanagan welcomed Ocasio-Cortez’s endorsement, touting the socialist congresswoman as a fighter for working families.
“@AOC has shown us what it looks like to take on powerful interests while unapologetically standing up for working people,” Flanagan said. “I’m honored to have her endorsement, and I look forward to joining her in the fight to hold Trump accountable and help people afford their lives again.”
Ocasio-Cortez has soared to prominence in the party as socialist candidates across the country gain traction, notching primary wins against incumbent or moderate Democrats. Her rise in recognition has led to speculation in both parties that she could be the Democratic presidential nominee in 2028.
HASAN PIKER DECLARES US WORSE ‘POUND FOR POUND’ THAN AL QAEDA AS HE GOES ON MEDIA BLITZ
However, Ocasio-Cortez also relates to a splintering in the party, as Democrats can’t seem to decide if the party should move farther left or stay in the center to combat President Donald Trump. The congresswoman has said she is not paying mind to a presidential run, affirming that her focus is on the midterm election and securing her reelection.
Flanagan will face Michele Tafoya in November as the retired sportscaster looks to replace Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN), who is retiring. The open-seat race is rated “Likely Democrat” by the Cook Political Report, but Flanagan may still face some turbulence heading into the general election due to her closeness to the state’s social services fraud scandal.