Minnesota U.S. Senate Debate: Peggy Flanagan vs. Michele Tafoya

Democratic candidate Peggy Flanagan and Republican candidate Michele Tafoya met for an MPR News debate in Minnesota’s race for U.S. Senate. Hosted by MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst, the debate focused on the issues shaping the 2026 election. Election Day is Nov. 3. Learn more including who is on your ballot: https://www.mprnews.org/election 00:27 Intro 01:36 U.S.-Russia gas deal 02:30 U.S. financial assistance to Ukraine 03:44 Tafoya’s Trump endorsement 04:34 Foreign affairs 11:17 Accessing Pete Hegseth’s performance 13:03 Trade and tariffs 17:31 Federal taxes 20:36 Fraud and oversight 26:34 Immigration policy 32:07 Public safety 36:48 Social Security and Medicare 43:23 Supreme Court nominations 46:35 Abortion rights 50:18 Artificial intelligence 52:31 Final questions 55:32 Closing statements