Minnesota Senate Race Surprise, Russell Brand Trial Begins, Roller Coaster Death: AM Update 10/14

SPEAKER_1 (0:00)

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Megyn Kelly (0:37)

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Wednesday, October 14th, 2026, and this is your AM Update.

Bill Hemmer (0:44)

Pretty good poll that we picked up just recently. See that last line, independence? What is going on in Minnesota?

Megyn Kelly (0:50)

An overlooked Senate race in Minnesota showing a surprisingly close contest as new polling reveals an interesting divide among independent voters.

Russell Brand (1:00)

I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile, but what I never was, was a rapist.

Megyn Kelly (1:06)

Opening statements set to begin today in the rape and sexual assault trial of Russell Brand. Greta Thunberg finding herself a new, new cause to champion as the former climate and Gaza activist joins student protests in France. Authorities identifying the man killed in a horrifying roller coaster accident at Six Flags in Georgia as investigators work to determine what caused the deadly fall. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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One US. Senate race receiving relatively little national attention despite the polling showing a surprisingly close contest. It's the Minnesota matchup between Democrat Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Republican former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya. The real clear polling average showing Flanagan leading Tafoya by just over two points, 45.3 to 43.1 percent, in a state that has not elected a Republican to the US. Senate since 2002

A new Minnesota Star Tribune and KARE 11 poll finding Democrat Flanagan leading Republican Tafoya by four points, although the more revealing numbers may be what's happening among independents. Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer, my old pal, breaking down the latest survey.

Bill Hemmer (3:24)

47 Flanagan, 43 Tafoya right here. That's a plus or minus three and a half points. So you can move the line both directions. This, based on the margin of error in Minnesota, is a dead heat. Who would have thought that? So who's got the support? Flanagan right now among Democrats is at 90%. Tafoya from Republicans is at 97%.

Alright, margin of error 3.5%, Star Tribune, pretty good poll that we picked up just recently. See that last line, independents? What is going on in Minnesota? You got 32 at Flanagan, 38 at Tafoya, 29%.

Clear, almost one third of the voters in Minnesota are still undecided as they say they are independents looking at this race three weeks from today. So a lot of things could change.

Megyn Kelly (4:13)

The Senate contest proving considerably closer than Minnesota's race for governor with the same Star Tribune and Care 11 poll finding Democrat Senator Amy Klobuchar leading Republican Lisa Damuth by nine points, 50 to 41%.

The Cook Political Report continuing to rate the open US. Senate seat as likely Democrat and prediction market Kalshi gives Flanagan an 86% chance of victory compared to just 14% for Tafoya. That's still more than double from early August when Tafoya had just a 6% chance. Give our sponsor Kalshi a try by using code MEGYNKelly or clicking the link in the description. All new users get $25 free when they trade $25.

According to Minnesota Public Radio, outside political groups spent more than $20 million during the candidates' primary contests, much of it on the Democrat side. That spending dropping dramatically since the August primaries to approximately $2 million as of last Friday, including $1.3 million supporting Flanagan through billboard advertisements. Senate Majority Leader John Thune traveling to Minnesota earlier this month to campaign alongside Tafoya, although national Republicans have yet to commit significant financial resources to the race, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune. The candidates making competing arguments to voters as Minnesota continues dealing with the fallout from its massive welfare fraud scandal. Tafoya making the scandal a central focus of her campaign, accusing Flanagan of failing to prevent the theft of taxpayer dollars during her tenure as Lieutenant Governor under Democrat Governor Tim Walz. Flanagan, meantime, arguing that health care costs and affordability are more pressing concerns for Minnesota voters while making her opposition to President Trump a central part of her campaign. Flanagan's focus on the president comes as the latest Star Tribune poll finds just 38% of Minnesota voters approve of his job performance compared to 58% who disapprove. Tafoya seeking to appeal to voters outside the Republican base, like in this ad.