Former NFL reporter Michele Tafoya has officially announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat representing Minnesota. In a campaign video, Tafoya expressed her commitment to prioritizing the needs of Minnesotans over traditional political practices. “I’m not willing to stand on the sidelines while Minnesotans are let down by leaders who refuse to take responsibility,” she stated.
At 61 years old, Tafoya is entering the political arena for the first time amid increasing federal scrutiny over allegations of widespread fraud within the state’s social services and welfare programs. Recent revelations by YouTuber Nick Shirley have sparked significant concern, alleging that members of the Somalian diaspora may have defrauded the state of millions of dollars. This has led the Trump administration to halt all childcare payments to Minnesota and deploy agents from Homeland Security Investigations and ICE.
The crisis has prompted investigations by the Department of Justice and Congress into the alleged fraudulent activities. In light of these developments, Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, announced he would not seek reelection to better address the challenges facing the state. Tafoya remarked, “We are suffering a crisis here in Minnesota, and really, it’s a crisis of leadership. We have career politicians who have brought us to this place, and they’re not coming to save us.”
Tafoya, who has resided in Minnesota for three decades and raised her family there, aims to fill the open seat left by Sen. Tina Smith, a Democrat who will retire at the end of her term. Her candidacy gained traction after she was recruited by the National Republican Senatorial Committee and met with its members last month.
The primary race is expected to be competitive, with several candidates vying for the Republican nomination, including former NBA player Royce White, retired U.S. Navy officer Tom Weiler, former state Senator David Hann, and former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze. On the Democratic side, candidates include Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Representative Angie Craig.
Tafoya concluded her nearly 30-year career at NBC Sports in 2022 as she sought to engage more actively in political matters. She had also worked with CBS, ABC, and ESPN during her career in sports journalism. “I’m grateful for the career that I had, but this feels like a sense of duty to me. I just can’t turn my back on this state,” she said. “I’m jumping in with both feet, and I’m ready to go.”
