More than 50 students, professors and Northfield residents gathered in the Valhalla Room on Wednesday evening, Nov. 12, to hear from Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Flanagan, a Democrat, is running in the primary for Minnesota’s U.S. Senate seat, along with Rep. Angie Craig.
Flanagan answered questions submitted by students prior to the event on various topics ranging from public transportation, housing, childcare, transgender rights, the Trump administration, and gun violence in Minnesota.
When asked how people can push back against the Trump administration, Flanagan said: “Register to vote. Vote. Show up and peacefully protest. Send letters. Send emails. Call. Show up to town halls. Run for office yourself. And figure out what is the thing that you lose track of time doing. What do you love to do? Figure out how to use that to make this country a better place.”
Flanagan also addressed the impact of gun violence in Minnesota, referencing both the death of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church. She described the loss as deeply personal.
“Melissa Hortman was my friend … and it hits really close to home,” she said.
Flanagan recounted being awakened in the middle of the night by a state trooper at her door before receiving a call from the governor informing her that Hortman had been killed by a man impersonating a police officer.
“I found out I was also on this list,” she said.
Flanagan vowed to fight for the banning of high capacity magazines and assault weapons coming from the perspective of being a gun owner.
“I own a firearm,” Flanagan said. “I am a pheasant hunter. I don’t believe that banning high capacity magazines and banning assault weapons is going to impact my ability to be a pheasant hunter or to own a firearm.”
Her remarks resonated with attendees. Aisling Cox ’28 told The Olaf Messenger that Flanagan’s speech was encouraging and accessible, particularly for younger audiences. “I felt like she really understood which issues matter to us and was very engaging … She clearly knows a lot about Minnesota’s diverse communities,” Cox said.
Claire Riethof ’27, vice president of St. Olaf’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor Club, said the event was a success. “Peggy is an amazing person,” Riethof said. She added the club hopes to also host Angie Craig, giving all Democratic candidates a chance to discuss the issues.
