End Citizens United just backed Peggy Flanagan, but her past fundraising is already under scrutiny

End Citizens United has endorsed Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in the state’s upcoming Senate race as she seeks the Democratic nomination. Flanagan is running against Rep. Angie Craig to succeed retiring Sen. Tina Smith.

The endorsement was reported by The Hill, which noted the group’s backing comes with a focus on rejecting corporate PAC money. End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller said Flanagan has pushed policies aimed at working families, including a higher minimum wage and paid family and medical leave.

Flanagan said she was honored to receive the support and emphasized that her campaign is accountable to Minnesotans rather than special interests. The endorsement also stands out because End Citizens United had previously backed Craig in past House races, including in 2024.

The endorsement puts corporate money at the center of the primary

Flanagan has framed the primary as a contrast between what she has described as an institutional, corporate Democrat and a progressive candidate focused on working families. That messaging has unfolded as MAHA activists blast RFK in separate political coverage.

Craig has argued the state needs a battle-tested Democrat, suggesting Flanagan may not be strong enough to win statewide. Flanagan has criticized Craig as a corporate-aligned Democrat, and Craig has received donations from major corporate political arms, including Goldman Sachs and Davita.

Craig has also questioned Flanagan’s broader record on corporate money. The Hill reported Flanagan previously chaired the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, which raised millions of dollars from corporations during her tenure, as secret Epstein documents vanish fueled separate scrutiny of political claims.

Because the DLGA supports candidates in key races, Craig’s campaign has pointed to the group’s fundraising as a vulnerability for Flanagan. Asked about the comparison, Flanagan called it apples to oranges and said her decision not to accept corporate PAC money applies to her campaign.

She said the distinction matters even if the DLGA pursued a different approach to fundraising.