From left, Angie Craig, Peggy Flanagan and Melisa L贸pez Franzen could end up in a three-way race for the DFL nomination. Photos: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images, Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images and Minnesota Legislature
Why it matters: While the 2026 election is still 18 months away, quarterly fundraising reports can serve as an early indicator of a campaign's support.
馃珡 On the DFL side, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan brought in just over $450,000 in contributions in the first five weeks of her bid, ending March with about $366,000 in the bank.
Former DFL Senate Leader Melisa L贸pez Franzen, who joined the race last month, reported $260,000 in contributions, with $250,000 cash on hand.
馃悩 Royce White, the GOP's 2024 U.S. Senate nominee, reported just over $200,000 in new contributions, ending the quarter with about $180,000 in reserves.
Fellow Republican Adam Schwarze raised $140,000 and has just under $110,000 on hand.
The intrigue: The candidate poised to have the biggest cash advantage isn't in the race yet.
DFL U.S. Rep. Angie Craig has a $1 million war chest via her 2nd Congressional District campaign account, after raising $1.2 million in the first three months of 2025.
Between the lines: Federal campaign laws would allow Craig to transfer those donations to a U.S. Senate bid, providing they don't exceed contribution limits.
What we're watching: Craig told multiple news outlets this week that she expects to make a decision on 2026 by the end of the month.
