Mary Murphy / Forum News ServiceThe Tuesday, Aug. 11, primary closes two heated races for both the DFL and GOP. It’s not unheard of for DFL primary voters to go a different route than the party endorsement — Gov. Peggy Flanagan for the DFL U.S. Senate candidate at her election night watch party at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. Mary Murphy / Forum News ServiceThe DFL primary for U.S. Senate has been seen as a test for Minnesota Democratic voters and whether they will follow the direction of places like New York or Michigan and opt for a more progressive candidate. Mary Murphy / Forum News ServiceRepublican primary voters haven’t chosen a non-endorsed candidate since 1991.