Minnesota Democratic Senate Candidate Peggy Flanagan Faces Apology Demand Over Viral Hijab Video

Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor and Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan is under scrutiny after a viral video showing her wearing a hijab prompted calls from her Republican opponent for an apology over alleged pandering. The controversy raises questions about the impact on her Senate bid.

Minnesota's Lieutenant Governor and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan is facing growing criticism after a video of her wearing a hijab went viral, prompting her Republican opponent to publicly demand an apology for what he described as "pandering" to Muslim voters. As the state’s 2026 Senate race heats up, this incident has sparked a debate about political authenticity and cultural sensitivity, with some observers concerned about the potential implications for Flanagan’s candidacy.

The Viral Video and Its Backlash

The video in question shows Flanagan donning a hijab during a community event at a mosque in the Twin Cities area. While the event was intended to demonstrate solidarity with Minnesota’s Muslim community, critics argue that the gesture was politically motivated and insincere. The video quickly circulated on social media platforms, drawing a mix of support and condemnation.

Flanagan’s Republican opponent, whose campaign has seized on the video to question her authenticity, labeled the act "pandering" and called on her to apologize to Minnesotans for what he described as exploiting religious symbols for political gain. In a recent statement, he said, "Wearing a hijab for a photo op crosses the line from respect into political theater. Voters deserve genuine leadership, not empty gestures."

Flanagan’s Response and Position

Peggy Flanagan, who has served as Minnesota’s lieutenant governor since 2019 and is now campaigning to become the state's next U.S. Senator, responded by defending her actions as an expression of solidarity with a community that has faced discrimination and Islamophobia. In a press release, Flanagan said, "My visit to the mosque and wearing the hijab was a sign of respect and allyship with Minnesota’s Muslim community. It is vital for elected officials to stand with all Minnesotans, especially those who have been marginalized."

She also highlighted her record of advocating for diverse communities throughout her political career, including her efforts to address racial equity, support Indigenous rights, and promote inclusive policies across the state.

Political Implications for the Senate Race

The hijab video controversy arrives at a critical moment in the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Minnesota, where Flanagan is seeking to unseat the incumbent Republican senator. While Minnesota has a history of progressive politics and a sizable Muslim population, the criticism from her opponent and some voters underscores challenges candidates face when navigating cultural representation and outreach.

Political analysts note that this incident could have mixed effects. On one hand, Flanagan’s outreach to minority communities could strengthen her support base among progressive and multicultural voters. On the other hand, accusations of pandering might alienate moderate or conservative-leaning voters who view the gesture as performative rather than genuine.

Community Reactions

Looking Ahead

As the Senate race progresses, Peggy Flanagan’s campaign will likely continue to emphasize her commitment to diversity and inclusion, while addressing the concerns raised by her opponents. Whether the hijab video incident will have a lasting impact on voter perceptions remains to be seen, but it highlights the delicate balance candidates must strike when engaging with cultural and religious communities in a politically charged environment.

Flanagan’s ability to communicate authentic respect and maintain trust among a broad coalition of Minnesotans could prove decisive in the highly competitive race ahead.

Reporting by Minnesota News Desk