Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan intensified their campaigns for Minnesota's open U.S. Senate seat on Thursday, days after a combative debate that exposed deep divisions over state fraud oversight. Both are seeking the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party nomination.

The seat is open following Sen. Tina Smith's decision not to seek re-election. Craig, a moderate representing Minnesota's Second Congressional District, has positioned herself as a pragmatic candidate with rural appeal, while Flanagan has emphasized her progressive record and historic candidacy as a member of the White Earth Nation.

At Tuesday's debate, the two traded pointed critiques over the state's handling of fraud in publicly funded programs, including the Feeding Our Future scandal that implicated Minnesota's oversight systems. Craig argued that state officials failed to act quickly. Flanagan defended the Walz administration's response and accused Craig of exaggerating for political gain.

The DFL primary is scheduled for August, and both campaigns released fundraising figures and endorsements this week to demonstrate momentum. Craig has drawn support from labor unions and business-aligned Democrats, while Flanagan has secured backing from progressive organizations and tribal leaders across the state.

The winner will face a Republican challenger in November in a race national strategists view as competitive, with control of a closely divided Senate potentially at stake.