Democrat Peggy Flanagan wins election to US Senate from Minnesota

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrat Peggy Flanagan won election Wednesday to the U.S. Senate representing Minnesota, defeating Republican Michele Tafoya.

Flanagan’s win held a seat for Democrats that the party could not afford to lose as it tried to flip Senate control in Washington.

The current lieutenant governor, Flanagan, who is a member of the Ojibwe Native American tribe, will succeed Sen. Tina Smith, a Democrat who did not seek reelection.

Flanagan’s win also gives progressives a notable victory in a year where Democrats’ left flank has been ascendant.

Tafoya was making her bid for political office after gaining fame as a sideline reporter on NFL football broadcasts.

The Associated Press declared Flanagan the winner at 12:07 a.m. EST.