It’s rare for a U.S. Senate race that doesn’t include an incumbent to only feature one debate, but that’s the case in the race to replace outgoing U.S. Senator Tina Smith.

Republican Michele Tafoya and Democrat Peggy Flanagan debated in the Minnesota Public Radio studio at noon Friday, sparring over everything from President Donald Trump to the war in Iran to fraud.

It was the first and only debate the two candidates are participating in ahead of Election Day.

Tafoya initially supported the war, but now says it’s time to bring it to a close. “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” she said, “but this has been going on now for seven months and Minnesotans and Americans writ large are hurting. The prices are too high. This war does need to end and it needs to end quickly. It also needs to end strategically. I would like to see the president lay out an exit strategy for the American people to listen to.”

Flanagan criticized Tafoya for her initial support for the war. “This war is costing us financially, but also in lives,” she said. “Twenty-one service men and women have lost their life, including a Minnesotan.  A mother. That’s unacceptable. We need to hold this president accountable.”

The two candidates also debated the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill, especially the lack of access to Medicaid and SNAP benefits for thousands of Minnesota families.

“This Big Beautiful Bill under Donald Trump has been absolutely terrible in Minnesota and Michele Tafoya has cheered it on,” Flanagan said.

Tafoya responded by criticizing Flanagan for doing nothing to prevent fraud during nearly eight years as lieutenant governor.

“And she’s talking about access?” Tafoya said, responding to Flanagan. “All of that money left the State of Minnesota, this historic fraud happened under her watch and suddenly she’s looking out for Medicaid and SNAP? Sell it to someone else Peggy.”

Recent polls show this race is too-close-to call. Our latest KSTP/SurveyUSA poll out this week shows Flanagan leading by three points, 45% to 42%, but within the margin of error of +/-4.2%. A Minnesota Star Tribune/KARE 11 poll showed Flanagan up by four points.

For Related Stories: Peggy Flanagan  Debate  2026 Elections  Michele Tafoya  Minnesota Senate Races  Tom Hauser