Progressives beat AIPAC-backed candidates in key Minnesota races
Left-wing candidates swept two Minnesota Democratic primaries, a clear win for the party's progressive wing and a setback for AIPAC and the Democratic establishment.
- Progressive Peggy Flanagan crushed AIPAC-backed Angie Craig by about 20 points in a Senate race, despite Craig getting tens of millions in fundraising help and dark money.
- Flanagan had backing from Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, and adds another vote to a growing progressive bloc in the Senate.
- In Minnesota's second district, progressive Matt Little trounced his AIPAC-backed rival even after millions were spent to stop him.
- Pro-Israel money flowed through pass-through groups like Emily's List to hide the AIPAC link, a sign backers see the association as a liability.
- The wins strengthen a possible progressive challenge to Chuck Schumer's leadership.
Outlook: Expect a larger, more unified progressive bloc in the Senate and rising pressure on the party's centrist leadership.