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Minnesota Senate Candidate Faces Scrutiny Over Friend's Fraud Investigation

1:11 PM ETConfirmed

Politics Desk

In Short: Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan is facing scrutiny after an autism center run by her longtime friend Nimco Ahmed, who stood beside her in a viral video, is under investigation for fraud.

News of the fraud investigation has sparked criticism of Flanagan on social media, questioning why more was not done to address the scandal over the past several years.

The fraud investigation has raised questions about Flanagan's relationship with Ahmed and her involvement with the autism center.

Flanagan has not commented directly on the fraud investigation, but her office has stated that they cannot disclose details due to the ongoing legal proceedings.

The criticism of Flanagan comes as she faces a challenging race for the Senate seat.

The fraud investigation has become a focal point of the campaign, with opponents using it to question Flanagan's judgment and integrity.

Flanagan's supporters argue that her actions in the viral video were meant to support the Somali community and that the fraud investigation is unrelated to her work as lieutenant governor.

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• News of the fraud investigation has sparked criticism of Flanagan on social media, questioning why more was not done to address the scandal over the past several years.
• The fraud investigation has raised questions about Flanagan's relationship with Ahmed and her involvement with the autism center.
• Flanagan has not commented directly on the fraud investigation, but her office has stated that they cannot disclose details due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
• The criticism of Flanagan comes as she faces a challenging race for the Senate seat.
• The fraud investigation has become a focal point of the campaign, with opponents using it to question Flanagan's judgment and integrity.
• Flanagan's supporters argue that her actions in the viral video were meant to support the Somali community and that the fraud investigation is unrelated to her work as lieutenant governor.

What's still developing

• (Credit: Somali TV Minnesota) An autism center run by a longtime friend of Minnesota Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan, who stood next to Flanagan while she wore a hijab defending the Somali community in a viral video, is being investigated for fraud, sparking a flurry of criticism of Flanagan on social media.
• If a provider is part of an open investigation, the department cannot by law disclose details." "We can, however, share the following: Several months ago, the Minnesota Department of Human Services terminated both agencies from participating in the Medicaid program as part of Minnesota Revalidate 2026.
• Peggy Flanagan visited a Somali market wearing a hijab in December alongside Nimco Ahmed, who runs an autism center that is now under investigation.
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Sources

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