# Minnesota Senate Race Takes Bizarre Turn

> Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan faces Senate race turmoil after dark family history resurfaces.
- Title: Minnesota Senate Race Takes Bizarre Turn · New York Post
- Summary: Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan faces Senate race turmoil after dark family history resurfaces. Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan's…
- Keywords: minnesota, senate, peggy flanagan, michelle tafoya, john jacob hartmann, minnesota star tribune, alpha news, news, entertainment, Race, Takes, Bizarre
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/10/19/us-news/minnesota-senate-race-takes-bizarre-turn-after-dark-family-history-uncovered
- Published: 2026-10-19T14:20:38+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: minnesota, senate, peggy flanagan, michelle tafoya, john jacob hartmann, minnesota star tribune, alpha news, news, entertainment
## Dark Family History Emerges
Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan's grandfather John Jacob Hartmann was suspected in multiple killings but never charged.

> John Jacob Hartmann was suspected in multiple killings but never charged.
## Hartmann's Mental Health History
Hartmann spent decades in psychiatric custody, escaped twice, and was suspected in at least four killings.

> Hartmann spent decades in psychiatric custody, escaped twice, and was suspected in at least four killings.
## Hartmann's Death and Family
Flanagan was three years old when Hartmann died on February 6, 1983, after being committed on November 1, 1951.

> Flanagan was three years old when Hartmann died on February 6, 1983.
## Hartmann's Escapes and Alleged Crimes
Hartmann escaped to New Mexico, Missouri, and Colorado, where he was suspected in multiple deaths but never charged.

> Hartmann escaped to New Mexico, Missouri, and Colorado, where he was suspected in multiple deaths but never charged.
## Political Impact
The revelation comes weeks before midterms as Flanagan faces Republican candidate Michele Tafoya in a Senate race.

> The revelation comes weeks before midterms as Flanagan faces Republican candidate Michele Tafoya in a Senate race.
## Public Reaction
Turning Point USA highlighted the 'violent mental illness in Minnesota Democrat Peggy Flanagan’s family,' and Town Hall columnist Dustin Grage called it significant.

> Turning Point USA highlighted the 'violent mental illness in Minnesota Democrat Peggy Flanagan’s family,' and Town Hall columnist Dustin Grage called it significant.
## Key takeaway

Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan's grandfather was suspected in multiple killings but never charged, raising questions about her political viability ahead of midterms.