Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya has launched her Republican campaign for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota, aiming to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith. Her platform emphasizes strong leadership, support for law enforcement, and fiscal responsibility.
Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya officially launched her Republican campaign for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota, seeking the seat currently held by retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith. In a social media video filmed on a snowy football field, Tafoya drew parallels between her sports reporting career and political leadership, stressing the importance of preparedness and accountability. Her platform focuses on supporting federal law enforcement, addressing immigration issues, fighting corruption and fraud, protecting taxpayer dollars, deporting dangerous criminals, and preserving female sports for female athletes. The video also took aim at Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar. Tafoya, who has a history in Minnesota Republican politics and hosts a political podcast, joins a crowded Republican field including former NBA player Royce White and former Minnesota GOP Chair David Hann. She has received an endorsement from U.S. Sen. Tim Scott. However, Tafoya faces potential challenges, including her past support for Marco Rubio over Donald Trump in 2016, her 2022 suggestion for Trump not to run again, and her nuanced stance on abortion rights. On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan are vying for their party's nomination. Tafoya's campaign faces the significant hurdle of breaking a long Republican losing streak in Minnesota statewide elections, with no GOP candidate winning statewide office since 2006.
