The federal investigation, which began under the Biden administration, has resulted in dozens of indictments, including of members of Minnesota’s Somali community. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
\n\nThe Minnesota Senate race has become increasingly competitive ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections, with a fraud scandal, immigration enforcement and a federal investigation involving Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar emerging as key campaign issues.
\n\nAccording to Newsweek, the Cook Political Report has shifted the race from “Likely Democratic” to “Lean Democratic” following recent polls showing a close contest between Democratic Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Republican challenger Michele Tafoya, a retired broadcaster.
\n\nThe two candidates are competing to succeed Democratic Senator Tina Smith, who is retiring at the end of her term. Tafoya raised $4.3 million in the third quarter of 2026, compared with Flanagan’s $3.8 million, making Minnesota the only competitive Senate race in which a Republican outraised a Democratic opponent during the period.
\n\nFraud Scandal Puts Democrats Under Pressure
\n\nThe controversy surrounding Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s handling of alleged fraud has become a central issue in the campaign. Republicans have repeatedly highlighted the Feeding Our Future case, a $250 million COVID-era scheme involving fraudulent claims for child nutrition programmes.
\n\nThe federal investigation…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy
