Michele Tafoya, a former sportscaster and conservative commentator, filed papers with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday to run for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota. Her campaign officially launched on Wednesday, aiming to secure the Republican nomination for the seat currently held by retiring Democratic Senator Tina Smith.
Campaign Launch and Policy Stance
Chris Marston, Tafoya's campaign treasurer, confirmed her filing. Tafoya, known for her work on NBC's "Sunday Night Football" from 2011 to 2022, concluded her three-decade career in sports broadcasting in 2022 to enter Republican politics. She currently hosts a conservative political podcast.
In her campaign video, Tafoya articulated her intentions to "clean up the system, fighting corruption, ending the fraud and protecting your tax dollars." She also stated a commitment to "protect what's fair and safe, standing with our law enforcement officers, deporting dangerous criminals, and keeping female sports for female athletes."
Tafoya has previously criticized Minnesota leaders who objected to federal immigration enforcement actions and has commented on protests that interrupted a church service where the pastor was believed to be an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official. She has also stated concerns regarding law enforcement morale, officer shortages, and the release of individuals described as career criminals in Minnesota.
Political Landscape and Context
The U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota is being vacated by Democratic Senator Tina Smith. Senator Amy Klobuchar is also reportedly considering a gubernatorial run, which could further alter the state's political dynamics.
Minnesota has been identified by Republicans as a state with potential for electoral gains, particularly since President Donald Trump's narrow loss there in 2016. However, Republicans have not won a statewide office in Minnesota since 2006, and the last Republican to win a U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota was Norm Coleman in 2002.
The state has experienced protests related to federal immigration enforcement actions, including the deployment of immigration and border agents. Tensions between Minnesota's Democratic leaders and Washington increased after an immigration officer shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a 31-year-old protester who had blocked traffic. The Justice Department has subpoenaed at least five Minnesota officials as part of an investigation into whether state and local leaders obstructed federal immigration enforcement efforts.
Competing Candidates and Party Dynamics
Tafoya's entry places her among several other Republicans vying for the nomination. These include:
- Royce White, former NBA player
- Adam Schwarze, military veteran
- Tom Weiler, military veteran
- David Hann, former Minnesota GOP Chair
U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has endorsed Tafoya.
On the Democratic side, U.S. Representative Angie Craig and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan are seeking their party's nomination. Representative Craig has referred to Tafoya as "MAGA Michele."
Tafoya's past political positions could present challenges with some Republican voters. These include her support for Marco Rubio in 2016, her 2022 suggestion that Donald Trump not run for president again, and her past support for abortion rights with some exceptions.