U.S. News
Michele Tafoya Enters Heated Minnesota Senate Race
Clear Facts
- Michele Tafoya announced her run for Minnesota’s 2026 Senate seat as a Republican, highlighting her outsider status.
- She criticized Democratic leadership for a major welfare fraud scandal exceeding $9 billion.
- Tafoya pledged support for law enforcement and drew contrasts with her Democratic opponents’ record.
Michele Tafoya, a former NFL broadcaster, is entering the 2026 Minnesota Senate race, emphasizing a fresh start and focusing on expanding the Republican majority in the Senate.
She brings attention to what she sees as Democratic mismanagement in the state, most notably a large-scale welfare fraud case that federal prosecutors estimate may have cost taxpayers over $9 billion.
“I’ve just seen the failure of leadership in Minnesota … and watching the decline of this place that I love and where I’ve raised my kids is really difficult to witness,” Tafoya stated.
Her campaign will scrutinize Governor Tim Walz and others for failing to protect taxpayer money, linking the scandal to a need for new leadership in Minnesota.
Tafoya is critical of Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig, calling them “two career politicians who have done nothing to help Minnesota” and promising to bring “fresh ideas.”
She pointed out that Flanagan was the governor’s deputy during most of the fraud and that Craig defended Walz even as public pressure mounted and Walz exited his reelection campaign.
Tafoya blasted their approach to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, describing their rhetoric as dangerous and blaming them for creating a hostile environment for law enforcement.
Craig, speaking in January, compared ICE actions to “1930s in Germany” and has said she’ll vote against future ICE funding.
“We’ve watched as Tim Walz and his friends on the far-left have created an agitated environment that’s dangerous not only for law enforcement, but for our citizens — all just to pick a political fight with the president,” Tafoya argued.
“It’s dangerous. It’s disgusting,” Tafoya added. “We need leaders who want to enforce the law, support law enforcement and make Minnesota safe and peaceful — the way that we all know it can be.”
After Sen. Tina Smith declined to run again, Tafoya considered her candidacy and was encouraged by the National Republican Senatorial Committee and many others, including NRSC chairman Tim Scott, to join the race.
She faces several GOP contenders, such as former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze and ex-NBA player Royce White. Former President Donald Trump has not yet endorsed any candidate. Tafoya said she would be “honored” to receive Trump’s support and is working to win the primary with or without it.
“He’s on his own timeline, and if he decides to endorse, great,” she said.
Though the Cook Political Report pegs the contest as favoring Democrats, Tafoya notes that voters are seeking new representation due to concerns over continued Democratic rule, increased violent crime, boys in girls’ sports, and tax-funded services for illegal immigrants.
“Minnesotans are not blind to the issues around them,” Tafoya said.
Stay tuned for further developments as this high-profile race continues to intensify.
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