From Fox News · Elaine Mallon · · 1m 20s
Minnesota Senate race takes bizarre turn after dark family history uncovered
Minnesota Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan faces Senate race backlash over grandfather's violent mental health history.
In brief
Minnesota Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan faces Senate race backlash over grandfather's violent mental health history. Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan's campaign faces social media backlash after dark family history of her grandfather's alleged violent mental health issues resurfaced. Originally reported…
Dark family history resurfaces
Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan faces backlash over alleged violent mental health history of her grandfather John Jacob Hartmann.
“A dark chapter in the family history of Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan has made its way into the race”
Grandfather's troubled history
John Jacob Hartmann spent decades in psychiatric custody, escaped twice and was suspected in multiple killings though never charged.
“He spent decades in psychiatric custody, escaped twice and was suspected in multiple killings, which was dredged up by Minnesota-based outlet Alpha News”
Alleged crimes and escapes
Hartmann escaped to New Mexico where he was suspected in the deaths of a man and woman, later fled to Missouri.
“Hartmann was transferred to Anoka State Hospital in 1970, but escaped to New Mexico, where the newspaper reported he was suspected in the deaths of a man and woman”
Grandfather's death
Hartmann died on February 6, 1983, when Flanagan was three years old.
“Flanagan was three years old when Hartmann died on Feb. 6, 1. 1983”
Family background
Flanagan was raised by a single mother who relied on SNAP benefits and housing assistance, with indigenous father who helped inspire her advocacy for Native American communities.
“Flanagan has frequently spoken about her upbringing, including being raised by a single mother who relied on SNAP benefits and housing assistance”
Social media reaction
Turning Point USA highlighted the 'violent mental illness in Minnesota Democrat Peggy Flanagan's family' and shared a photo of Flanagan wearing a shirt that says 'Protect trans kids'.
“Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet highlighted the 'violent mental illness in Minnesota Democrat Peggy Flanagan's family'”
Campaign impact
Neither Flanagan nor Tafoya has publicly commented on the allegations since they resurfaced, but the story has generated significant social media buzz.
“Neither Flanagan nor Tafoya has commented publicly on the matter since the decades-old allegations resurfaced”
The takeaway
Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan's campaign faces social media backlash after dark family history of her grandfather's alleged violent mental health issues resurfaced.
