Peggy Flanagan has my support for U.S. Senate.

Operation Metro Surge was a degrading, demoralizing, and dehumanizing nightmare for families all across Minnesota – including my own.

For my wife, the threat of racial profiling and disappearing into an ICE detention facility was very real, and very traumatic. These fears became a terrifying reality when her Marine Corps veteran father was harassed by federal agents. To see a man who defended our nation subjected to such intimidation made it clear to me that no one was safe, or could feel safe, while ICE was in our state.

This harrowing experience forced me to take a step back and reflect on the decisions that led us to the unprecedented federal occupation—including the passage of the Laken Riley Act. 

Advocates warned that the Laken Riley Act would lead to more aggressive enforcement and racial profiling. I saw it play out in my own family, thankfully without a tragic end. But we all watched in heartbreak and horror as Renee Good and Alex Pretti were murdered, and thousands of other victims of ICE were abused or imprisoned. By Trump’s own statistics, the Laken Riley Act led to the detention of more than 21,000 of our neighbors, most without cause. 

Angie Craig voted for the Laken Riley Act, and now says that she regrets it. In contrast, I am certain that Peggy Flanagan would never vote for a bill like that, under any circumstances. That’s the kind of clear-eyed leadership we need during these dangerous and confusing times. For that reason, I am rescinding my endorsement of Angie Craig for U.S. Senate and proudly supporting Peggy Flanagan. Peggy has been a champion for immigrant communities throughout this crisis and is the leader we need in this moment.

I am the only Democrat in the Minnesota House to represent a district won by Donald Trump, so I can see why elected officials might be tempted to take a “moderate” position on an issue like immigration. But I’ve never believed that representing a Trump district meant compromising my sense of right and wrong. In fact, I’ve found that being clear about where I stand – and why – is exactly what builds trust, even when people don’t agree with you. 

Despite my conservative district, and hundreds of thousands of dollars of attack ads, mailers, phone calls, and texts, I never backed down from a fight to address the critical needs of the people I represent. I supported codifying abortion access. I supported paid family and medical leave. I secured healthcare, college tuition, and driver’s licenses for undocumented Minnesotans. Each time I took a vote that I knew some of my constituents would disagree with, I came back to my district and had the hard conversations about my votes and my values. 

Representing my constituents with courage, integrity, and hard work is how I won four times in a purple district. And that’s exactly how Peggy Flanagan will win in November and represent us in the U.S. Senate. 

I’ve served in state government for eight years with our Lieutenant Governor, and I know beyond any shadow of a doubt that she will stand unflinchingly for our civil rights, fiercely defend human dignity, and be a proud champion for all Minnesotans, including immigrant communities. I’ve seen how hard she works to improve the lives of people struggling in this economy, and during her visits to St. Cloud, I’ve seen firsthand her ability to connect with people – even those who disagree with her – and build the trust that is so necessary to govern. Peggy Flanagan is ready to be a Senator for all Minnesotans.

My wife has been in Peggy’s corner from day one. I’m more than willing to admit when she’s right and I’m wrong. She was absolutely right here. I’m proud that I will be standing with her in supporting Peggy Flanagan to be our next Senator.