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MN Senate candidates spar in the only debate before Election Day

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS • October 16, 2026 • nation

Key Points:

The Minnesota U.S. Senate race to replace Tina Smith featured only one debate between Republican Michele Tafoya and Democrat Peggy Flanagan, a rare occurrence for an open Senate seat.
The candidates clashed over the ongoing war in Iran, with Tafoya advocating for a strategic end after initially supporting the conflict, while Flanagan condemned the war’s human and financial costs and called for presidential accountability.
They also debated the effects of the "Big Beautiful Bill," focusing on limited access to Medicaid and SNAP benefits, with Flanagan criticizing Tafoya’s support for the bill and Tafoya accusing Flanagan of failing to prevent fraud during her tenure as lieutenant governor.
The debate highlighted sharp partisan disagreements on key issues affecting Minnesota families, including war policy, social welfare programs, and government accountability.

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