Michele Tafoya announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota on Wednesday, entering the Republican primary to replace retiring Democratic Senator Tina Smith. In a campaign video shared on social media, Tafoya appeared on a snowy football field reflecting on her experiences covering America’s most significant football games, stressing the lessons learned about leadership under pressure.
"Covering football taught me more than just the sport," Tafoya stated. "It taught me that successful teams require prepared and accountable leaders, and when those qualities are absent, the consequences are serious."
Her announcement video also referenced the ongoing immigration enforcement issues facing Minnesota, highlighting her allegiance to federal law enforcement efforts. The video interspersed brief footage of federal agents confronting demonstrators, conveying her commitment to law and order.
"As your senator, I promise to address systemic problems by combating corruption, putting an end to fraud, and protecting taxpayer dollars," Tafoya declared. "I will defend fairness and safety by supporting law enforcement, ensuring the deportation of dangerous offenders, and maintaining separate female sports categories for female athletes."
The video further included criticisms of Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz concerning fraud investigations affecting his administration, alongside clips of Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, who has repeatedly been targeted in political debates.
Tafoya, a longstanding figure within Minnesota’s Republican circles, gained national recognition as a sideline reporter for NBC's Sunday Night Football from 2011 through 2022. She has since been hosting a podcast with political themes. Her Republican challengers for the Senate nomination include former NBA player Royce White, veterans Adam Schwarze and Tom Weiler, as well as former Minnesota GOP Chair David Hann.
Republican leadership had actively encouraged Tafoya to pursue public office. Notably, U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, endorsed her candidacy upon its announcement, tweeting, "Change is coming, and Michele Tafoya will lead the way."
Despite this backing, Tafoya's previous political positions may pose challenges within parts of the Republican electorate. She supported Senator Marco Rubio’s presidential bid in 2016 and publicly advised Donald Trump against running for president again in 2022. Additionally, she has expressed support for abortion rights, with some stated exceptions.
On the Democratic side, Representative Angie Craig and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan are vying for their party’s nomination to succeed Smith, who announced her decision not to run in February. Craig responded to Tafoya’s entry by asserting on social media that Minnesota requires a senator dedicated to the state’s interests, noting that Tafoya represents a “MAGA” faction unlikely to fulfill that role.
Tafoya’s campaign seeks to overcome a significant obstacle for Republicans in Minnesota, a state where GOP statewide victories have been elusive. The last time a Republican won a statewide office was in 2006, and the most recent Republican U.S. Senate victor was Norm Coleman in 2002.