Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has issued her first endorsement in the 2026 United States Senate midterm elections, throwing her support behind Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.
The endorsement marks an early entry by national Democratic figures into what has become a closely watched Senate contest in Minnesota. Clinton, who served as Secretary of State under President Barack Obama and represented New York in the Senate, announced her backing through social media this week.
“Minnesota, you have an opportunity to select an extraordinary person and public servant as your next U.S. senator. Please take it,” Clinton wrote when sharing Flanagan’s post acknowledging the endorsement.
Flanagan, who currently serves as Lieutenant Governor, responded by emphasizing what she characterized as shared priorities. “Secretary Clinton has spent five decades fighting for working families, dedicating her career to making the case that every child in this country deserves a fair shot,” Flanagan stated. “I am honored to have Secretary Clinton’s support, and I will proudly carry on her fight in the United States Senate.”
In her endorsement statement, Clinton directed criticism at the Trump administration’s economic policies. She cited concerns about childcare costs, grocery prices, and healthcare affordability. “Donald Trump has made it harder for families to afford childcare, groceries, and health care for their kids,” Clinton stated. “His tariffs and war in Iran are driving up prices, and his budget ripped health care and food assistance away from children so billionaires could get another tax cut.”
The former Secretary of State praised Flanagan’s record, noting her work with the Children’s Defense Fund and her tenure in the Lieutenant Governor’s office. “Peggy Flanagan has spent her career fighting for children and families, and she has delivered for them,” Clinton said. “I know she will be that same champion in the Senate, and I am proud to endorse her.”
The White House responded Thursday through spokeswoman Taylor Rogers, who contested Clinton’s characterization of the administration’s economic record. Rogers pointed to what she described as significant policy achievements, including tax cuts, prescription drug cost reductions, and job creation. “Did Hillary Clinton forget that her political party created the affordability crisis?” Rogers asked. “President Trump is fixing it by delivering real results.”
The spokeswoman cited the addition of more than one million private-sector jobs, what she termed a manufacturing renaissance, and record highs for retirement accounts. Rogers further criticized what she called socialist policies from Democratic candidates, claiming such policies would impose substantial costs on American households.
Flanagan faces Republican nominee Michele Tafoya in the general election. Tafoya, a former sportscaster, has focused her campaign on public safety concerns and has been critical of Democratic leadership in Minnesota on issues ranging from crime to immigration enforcement.
The Minnesota Senate race represents one of several competitive contests that will determine control of the chamber in 2027. Both parties view the seat as potentially decisive in what is expected to be a closely divided Senate.
Clinton’s decision to make her first 2026 endorsement in Minnesota underscores the national attention this race has attracted and signals that prominent Democratic figures intend to play active roles in competitive Senate contests across the country.
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