Former NFL reporter Michele Tafoya has officially announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat representing Minnesota. In a campaign video, Tafoya stated, “I’m not willing to stand on the sidelines while Minnesotans are let down by leaders who refuse to take responsibility.” She emphasized that her campaign prioritizes the needs of the people over traditional political practices.
At 61 years old, Tafoya is entering the political arena during a time of significant scrutiny regarding alleged widespread fraud within the state’s social services and welfare programs. Recent allegations have surfaced following a video from YouTuber Nick Shirley, which claimed that millions of dollars were misappropriated by members of the Somalian diaspora. This controversy has prompted the Trump administration to halt all childcare payments to Minnesota and has led to investigations by Homeland Security Investigations and ICE. Both the Department of Justice and Congress are also looking into the situation.
In response to the challenges facing the state, Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat, has announced that he will not seek reelection, aiming to focus on addressing the fraud. Tafoya commented, “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. So, some of us are going to have to step up and clean up the mess ourselves.”
Having lived in Minnesota for thirty years and raised her family there, Tafoya feels a strong connection to the state. She is vying for the open seat currently held by Tina Smith, who is set to retire at the end of her term. Tafoya was encouraged to run by the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which has been instrumental in her campaign’s early stages.
Tafoya faces a competitive Republican primary that includes 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.
After nearly thirty years at NBC Sports, where she built a distinguished career, Tafoya stepped back from sports media in 2022 to engage more actively in political matters. She has also worked at CBS, ABC, and ESPN throughout her career. Tafoya expressed her commitment to the campaign, stating, “I certainly plan to let people know that my intentions are true, that I’m doing this for love of country and love of Minnesota. 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. I’m jumping in with both feet, and I’m ready to go.”
As Tafoya embarks on her political journey, she aims to address the pressing issues facing Minnesota and connect with voters about their concerns.
