Peggy Flanagan

A Voice for Minnesota Families

Peggy Flanagan understands what Minnesota families are facing because she has lived it. Raised by a single mother in St. Louis Park, Peggy grew up relying on public programs including Section 8 housing, SNAP, childcare assistance, and Medicaid. Those experiences shaped her belief in what’s possible when working families have a fair chance. Peggy began her career in public service at 25 as the youngest member of the Minneapolis School Board, where she fought to ensure every child had access to a high-quality education. She later trained tens of thousands of grassroots activists at Wellstone Action and served as executive director of the Children’s Defense Fund–Minnesota, continuing her fight for children and families. As co-chair of the Raise the Wage Coalition, she helped secure Minnesota’s first minimum wage increase in a decade. 

Delivering for Minnesotans as Lieutenant Governor

In 2015, Peggy was elected to the Minnesota state Legislature, where she led Democrats’ work on childcare issues and helped establish the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus. Even while serving in the minority during the 2017-2018 legislative session, Peggy was one of only two DFL lawmakers to successfully chief-author a bill that became law through her ability to build coalitions and deliver results in difficult political circumstances. Since becoming Minnesota’s lieutenant governor in 2019, Peggy has remained focused on making life better and more affordable for working families. She helped pass Minnesota’s paid family and medical leave program, allowing people to care for themselves and their loved ones without sacrificing their financial security. She has also helped secure critical investments in public education, healthcare, affordable housing, family farms, and small businesses. Peggy has been a steadfast champion for reproductive freedom and is leading the fight to ensure abortion remains legal in Minnesota. 

Must-Hold U.S. Senate Seat

Peggy Flanagan is running for the open Minnesota U.S. Senate to fight back against Trump’s harmful agenda and ensure every Minnesotan has the support and opportunity to build a secure future. While Trump and the billionaires ransack the federal government from making life even harder for families like the one in which she grew up. She knows that programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, housing assistance, and childcare assistance are not abstract line items but are lifelines that give children and families a fair shot. Peggy has spent her career bringing people together, expanding opportunity, and delivering for families. Now, she is ready to bring her voice to Washington and fight for a government that works for every Minnesotan. EMILYs List is proud to stand with Peggy Flanagan in this race.