Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor, Peggy Flanagan, hosted a meet-and-greet in Luverne on the evening of January 20, 2024, as part of her Loud & Clear Voice Tour: Caucus Kickoff. This event marked the 25th stop in her campaign for the U.S. Senate, with a total of 44 planned stops to engage with citizens across the state.
The gathering took place at the Generations event center, where Barbara Veldhuizen, chairwoman of the Rock County Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude for Flanagan’s commitment to reaching out to the community. Following her remarks, Nicholas Fryer, Flanagan’s campaign organizer, outlined the upcoming Precinct Caucus scheduled for February 3, 2024. He also shared a personal motto aimed at encouraging community involvement: “Find the rainbows in your clouds, but also be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
Flanagan emphasized her personal connection to the challenges many families face, recounting how federal and state benefits played a crucial role in her upbringing. “The people of Minnesota helped to lift us up, get us back on our feet. And now I get to pay that back,” she stated. Her campaign focuses on representing the voices of those who feel marginalized and overlooked in the current political landscape.
Throughout her tour, Flanagan has encountered numerous individuals expressing fear and frustration with the political climate. She addressed concerns surrounding recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, stating, “What is being done under the guise of safety is making us all less safe.” Flanagan acknowledged the emotional toll these events have on communities, describing how people are crying out in lament yet also displaying resilience.
“I am sick and tired of Democrats fighting from a defensive crouch or thinking that sternly worded letters are going to be what gets us out of this mess,” Flanagan asserted. She called for a bold and defiant approach to address the issues at hand, advocating for solutions that come from real people’s experiences.
Flanagan’s political history includes significant advocacy for paid family and medical leave, school meals for children, affordable childcare, and raising the minimum wage. “Because when I get to Washington, everybody’s coming with me,” she declared. She underscored the importance of building a foundation for future policy initiatives, stating that the work must extend beyond the upcoming elections in 2026 to encompass long-term goals for 2028, 2030, and 2032.
As Flanagan continues her campaign, her emphasis on community engagement and addressing the needs of Minnesota residents remains central to her message. The upcoming caucus will serve as a critical point for her campaign as she seeks to solidify support ahead of the election.
