Minnesota Senate hopeful faces criticism for fundraising with former Medicaid director amid fraud scandal
Democratic Senate candidate Peggy Flanagan will attend a fundraiser hosted by former Minnesota Medicaid medical director Nathan Chomilo, drawing fire over the state's Medicaid fraud controversy.
Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota’s lieutenant governor and Democratic Senate candidate, is set to join a fundraiser on October 1 that lists Dr. Nathan Chomilo as a host. Chomilo served as the state’s Medicaid medical director from January 2020, a time when Medicaid fraud involving autism services and housing programs surged nationally. Although he was not directly responsible for payment processing or fraud investigations, opponents argue his association with the event raises questions about Flanagan’s commitment to combating the fraud that has plagued the Walz-Flanagan administration.
Republican Rep. Kristin Robbins and NRSC press secretary Nick Puglia have condemned the fundraiser, portraying it as alignment with radical elements and a disregard for taxpayers. Flanagan has previously expressed anger over the fraud and cited new inspector-general and attorney-general resources aimed at curbing it. The controversy emerges as she prepares to face Republican Michele Tafoya in the November Senate race, where fraud remains a top voter concern.
Why it matters
The fundraiser links a Senate candidate to a figure tied to a major Medicaid fraud scandal, influencing voter perception ahead of the election.
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