Former Minnesota Senator Al Franken endorses Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan for senate seat

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – Former U.S. Senator Al Franken announced Thursday he has endorsed Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.

Flanagan put her name in the 2026 race to take over the senate seat currently held by Senator Tina Smith, who is not running for re-election.

Franken previously served in the same seat until he resigned in 2018 due to heavy pressure from his party after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

Smith, who was then-Lieutenant Governor under former Governor Mark Dayton, was chosen to take over the seat after Franken’s resignation.

This marks Flanagan’s third statewide endorsement for her senate campaign, following endorsements from Attorney General Keith Ellison and State Auditor Julie Blaha.

Thirteen other state, local and community leaders from around Minnesota have also endorsed Flanagan’s campaign.

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