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Flanagan vs. Tafoya: Early Voting Surges in GOP-Leaning Minnesota Counties
Newsweek ^ | November 2, 2026 | Anna Skinner

Posted on 11/02/2026 4:52:39 PM PST by MinorityRepublican

Minnesota's record-breaking early voter turnout is rising fastest in seven rural counties previously won by President Donald Trump, offering a potentially encouraging sign for Republican Michele Tafoya in the state's closely watched Senate race against Democrat Peggy Flanagan, though some analysts warn the turnout data is not a reliable predictor of which party will benefit once all ballots have been cast.

Several key Senate races are unfolding this year that will determine control of Congress. Republicans seek to defend their narrow House and Senate majorities and Democrats look to capitalize on competitive races that could flip control of both chambers in their favor. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to win control of the Senate and a net gain of three seats to win control of the House.

In Minnesota, Democratic Senator Tina Smith is retiring when her term ends on January 3, which leaves an open Senate seat. While Minnesota has long been considered a Democratic stronghold, Tafoya has gained ground during this election cycle. Corruption has emerged as a key issue for voters, with both candidates using it as a line of attack.

Flanagan has centered much of her messaging on allegations of corruption tied to Trump, while Tafoya has sought to link Flanagan to controversies that have occurred during her tenure as lieutenant governor under Governor Tim Walz.

Newsweek reached out to both campaigns by email for comment on Monday afternoon.

(Excerpt) Read more at newsweek.com ...


TOPICS: Politics
KEYWORDS: earlyvoting; minnesota

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1 posted on 11/02/2026 4:52:39 PM PST by MinorityRepublican
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To: MinorityRepublican

115% turnout in Minneapolis will clinch it for the dems.


2 posted on 11/02/2026 5:04:15 PM PST by wny
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To: All

Candidate Flanagan put on a burka for votes. That's her best friend on the right---a Minn Muslim who is under investigation for govt fraud.

3 posted on 11/02/2026 5:06:05 PM PST by Liz (“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies the work of His hands. " (Psalm 19:1))
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To: wny

LOL I had to read that twice!


4 posted on 11/02/2026 5:10:30 PM PST by CaptainK ("No matter how cynical you get, it is impossible to keep up” )
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To: Liz
a Minn Muslim who is under investigation for govt fraud.

Oh that one? We're going to have to know more to narrow it down from the 400,000 grifters. 😁

5 posted on 11/02/2026 5:11:53 PM PST by frank ballenger (There's a battle outside and it's raging. It'll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls. )
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To: frank ballenger

Yeah........true.


6 posted on 11/02/2026 5:14:12 PM PST by Liz (“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies the work of His hands. " (Psalm 19:1))
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To: frank ballenger

Barb from Minneapolis here. Tafoya is a “pro-choice” republican. (an anti-Trumper to boot).

But Tafoya is better than an Sioux nutjob/DSA.

Frank, you will understand this next statement: As a practicing Catholic, I choose to not vote for any pro-choice candidates. I will write in a fake name. If I leave it blank, the dems will color it for Flanagan, because
“this one meant to vote for the D”


7 posted on 11/02/2026 6:12:29 PM PST by BarbM (Men who look at porn are impotent for God.)
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To: wny

Tafoya is an excellent candidate and running a smart race. She has a chance.


8 posted on 11/02/2026 6:16:54 PM PST by cornfedcowboy ( )
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To: BarbM

So you’re throwing your vote away? I will never understand why Republicans/Conservatives do this crap. Reality is you have two choices - one is imperfect and the other helps libs in the senate which controls judges. Sheesh.


9 posted on 11/02/2026 7:12:48 PM PST by Tea Drinker (Live From Sunny Tucson)
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To: MinorityRepublican
After getting over 45 texts from this witch from 45+ different phone numbers, each asking for $15 and none respecting a STOP for the others, I don't care what happens to her.

I'm absolutely sick of GOP texts and emails. My worst GOP spam days bring me 73 emails. Why they topped several days at 73, I don't know. Strangely, they don't send them at night, either, just daytime, to make sure you have review.

I won't donate using WinRed, either. I have taken to mailing checks with no phone number or email address, but employer information.

Just say NO!

10 posted on 11/02/2026 7:32:21 PM PST by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)
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To: BarbM

Informative.

Best to you.


11 posted on 11/02/2026 7:40:34 PM PST by frank ballenger (There's a battle outside and it's raging. It'll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls. )
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To: Tea Drinker

I’ve seen this sort of comment over the years here on Free Republic.

Most Republicans are too liberal for many people here. Some Freepers take the position that it’s better to not vote at all, or even vote for a Democrat, to punish the Republican party for not giving us conservative enough candidates.

And some Freepers take the position, that there’s no difference between a Democrat and a RINO Republican.

How many Free Republic type conservatives are there, in public office,,or running for office? I would like to see more. In a general election, we’re faced with a binary choice. Everyone has to decide how to vote, or to decide they won’t vote, to protest shortcomings in GOP candidates.

And it’s hard to admit, but we on Free Republic are a minority. Most people are not nearly as conservative as we collectively are. Most Republicans are not as conservative as we are. We have to work from that minority position to try to gain more support for candidates and issues we believe in. It’s an ongoing struggle.


12 posted on 11/02/2026 7:40:40 PM PST by Dilbert San Diego
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To: Tea Drinker

I’ve seen this sort of comment over the years here on Free Republic.

Most Republicans are too liberal for many people here. Some Freepers take the position that it’s better to not vote at all, or even vote for a Democrat, to punish the Republican party for not giving us conservative enough candidates.

And some Freepers take the position, that there’s no difference between a Democrat and a RINO Republican.

How many Free Republic type conservatives are there, in public office,,or running for office? I would like to see more. In a general election, we’re faced with a binary choice. Everyone has to decide how to vote, or to decide they won’t vote, to protest shortcomings in GOP candidates.

And it’s hard to admit, but we on Free Republic are a minority. Most people are not nearly as conservative as we collectively are. Most Republicans are not as conservative as we are. We have to work from that minority position to try to gain more support for candidates and issues we believe in. It’s an ongoing struggle.


13 posted on 11/02/2026 7:40:44 PM PST by Dilbert San Diego
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To: Liz

Said this before. The Muzzie lady looks so smug. Like say it exactly like we wrote it infidel and we may let your family live.


14 posted on 11/02/2026 7:47:19 PM PST by redangus
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To: BarbM

Please reconsider. She will be a minor voice in Congress, but a needed vote to keep the majority as solid as possible.


15 posted on 11/02/2026 8:02:32 PM PST by ConservativeMind (Trump: Befuddling Democrats, Republicans, and the Media for the benefit of the US and all mankind.)
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To: Dilbert San Diego
Most Republicans are too liberal for many people here.

Free Republic is actually quite "liberal".

Most FReepers support the Welfare State.

Yes, that includes Social Security.

If you are a Constitutional Conservative, you'll be in favor of dismantling the Welfare State and yes, no Social Security check for you.

16 posted on 11/02/2026 8:04:13 PM PST by MinorityRepublican
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To: Dilbert San Diego

The “Republican” voter you just described who jettison the Good in pursuit of the Perfect has played a role in leading this country to the precipice of the communist cliff.


17 posted on 11/02/2026 8:10:45 PM PST by Dan in Wichita
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To: BarbM
"As a practicing Catholic" you won't vote for Tafoya because she's a pro-choice Republican.

But you choose to live in a state that allows unrestricted abortions? Do you realize how silly that makes you sound? If you truly cared that much, you'd move immediately to a state that mirrors your beliefs. A politician's stance on abortion will single-handedly stop you from voting for them, but on the other hand you willingly live in a state that allows unfettered abortion access. I don't think you've thought this through. Or you're just a silly person.

18 posted on 11/02/2026 8:16:39 PM PST by thefactor
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To: Dilbert San Diego

To Dilbert
I hear you. Red states need to do a better job of putting in conservative senators. You’re going to end up with the Susan Collins type in more blue or purple states. She is better than that freak she is running against. Control of the senate is the goal. She’s been reliable on judges and I think either Alito or Thomas is looking to retire. Nobody should want the dems in control of picking Supreme Court judges. Look at those three idiot women they put on the court.

Tafoya may be pro choice but that weirdo Flanagan is also pro choice, pro trans and a complete nut job so I don’t get not voting for Tafoya.


19 posted on 11/02/2026 8:19:11 PM PST by Tea Drinker (Live From Sunny Tucson)
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To: BarbM
Barb, every vote is a choice between the "lesser of two evils" as Jesus Christ is not on ANY ballot anywhere.

"For ALL have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God".

Tafoya is just not Pro-life YET - she will get there eventually because she is not a Commie.

20 posted on 11/03/2026 5:46:25 AM PST by Psalm 73 ("You'll never hear surf music again" - J. Hendrix)
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