Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig eye bids for U.S. Senate seat

• But they could also face stiff competition: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Democrats' 2024 nominee for vice president, isn't ruling out a bid, a source familiar with Walz's thinking told Axios.
• Walz's lieutenant governor Peggy Flanagan announced her intention to run for the seat in a post on social media.

What we're hearing: "Congresswoman Omar will be talking with Minnesotans about the future of Tina's senate seat and DFL party in Minnesota," Omar spokesperson Connor McNutt said in a statement to Axios.

• Omar, one of the most high-profile progressives in the country, is considering a run and is receiving messages of encouragement, according to a source close to her.
• Craig — who, unlike Omar, is a member of the Democratic Party's moderate wing — is also being urged to run, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Zoom in: Omar could face spirited opposition from the Democratic establishment given her left-wing politics and past inflammatory comments about Israel.

• Since being elected to Congress in 2018, Omar has faced well-organized primary challenges from more moderate Democrats.
• Omar is also a favorite target of the GOP: Republicans voted in 2023 to oust her from the Foreign Affairs Committee for her strident criticism of Israel and Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) has been fundraising off a petition to deport her to Somalia.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.