Hillary Clinton endorsed her first candidate of the 2026 election cycle this week.
The former first lady and secretary of state endorsed Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a Democrat, in her Senate run against Michele Tafoya, a former NFL sideline reporter and commentator.
Clinton announced the endorsement on Tuesday, her first midterm endorsement for a House or Senate candidate.
“Peggy Flanagan has spent her career fighting for children and families, from the Children’s Defense Fund to the Lieutenant Governor’s office, and she’s delivered for them,” Clinton said in a statement. “I know she’ll be that same champion in the Senate, and I’m proud to endorse her.”
Trending
Clinton also criticized President Donald Trump amid rising prices.
“Donald Trump has made it harder for families to afford childcare, groceries, and health care for their kids. His tariffs and war in Iran are driving up prices, and his budget ripped health care and food assistance away from children so billionaires could get another tax cut,” she said.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In a statement, Flanagan said she was “honored” to have Clinton’s endorsement.
“Secretary Clinton has spent five decades fighting for those families, and I’m honored to have her support as we take that fight to the United States Senate,” Flanagan wrote.
Several high-profile politicians have endorsed Flanagan, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Clinton began her career at the Children’s Defense Fund, where she worked as a staff attorney and chaired the organization’s board. Between 2001 and 2009, she served as a U.S. senator for New York, and she ran for president in 2008 and 2016.
Flanagan previously served as the head of Children’s Defense Fund in Minnesota, where she co-chaired a campaign to raise the minimum wage and index it to inflation.
“Long before she was First Lady, Senator, or Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton was knocking on doors for the Children’s Defense Fund, making the case that every child in this country deserves a fair shot. That same work shaped me,” Flanagan said in her statement.
Author
