Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has secured the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, setting up a closely watched general election contest against Republican nominee Michele Tafoya. U.S. media outlets projected Flanagan as the winner of Minnesota’s Democratic Senate primary on Tuesday. The progressive Democrat is seeking the Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Senator Tina Smith, who is retiring rather than running for another term. The matchup between Peggy Flanagan and Michele Tafoya is expected to draw significant attention as both parties compete for the open Minnesota Senate seat. The Minnesota U.S. Senate election will be part of the broader battle for control of Congress in November.