Former NBC Sunday Night Football sideline reporter Michele Tafoya officially entered the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Minnesota on January 22, 2026, filing paperwork as a Republican candidate for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.
Tafoya, 61, announced her candidacy via a campaign launch video posted on X (formerly Twitter), positioning herself as a fresh voice focused on economic issues, public safety, and opposition to “radical ideology.” The filing marks the transition of one of Minnesota’s best-known sports broadcasters into a serious political contender in a state that has not elected a Republican senator since Norm Coleman in 2002.
Key Details of the Announcement
- Filing Date: January 20, 2026 (paperwork submitted to the Federal Election Commission).
- Seat: Open seat in the U.S. Senate (Class 2), currently held by Tina Smith (D), who announced she will not seek re-election in 2026.
- Campaign Video Message: “For years I walked the sidelines when the stakes were the highest, and that job taught me how leadership really works. I’m running for U.S. Senate to bring that experience to Washington and deliver the real results Minnesota deserves.”
- Core Issues: Tafoya emphasized “hardworking people being ripped off by criminals, corporations, and career politicians,” with a focus on crime, economic fairness, and traditional values.
Background: From NFL Sidelines to Politics
Tafoya spent over three decades in sports media, most notably as NBC’s lead sideline reporter for Sunday Night Football from 2011 to 2022. She covered 12 Super Bowls and earned widespread recognition for her professionalism and poise. She stepped away from the booth after Super Bowl LVI in February 2022.
Since retiring from broadcasting, Tafoya has become increasingly active in Minnesota politics:
- Co-chaired Kendall Qualls’ 2022 Republican gubernatorial campaign (Qualls later withdrew).
- Hosts a Minnesota-focused political podcast.
- Frequently appears on conservative media outlets and has been vocal in her criticism of Democratic leaders, including Gov. Tim Walz, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
The 2026 Minnesota Senate Race Landscape
Sen. Tina Smith (D) announced her retirement earlier in 2025, creating a rare open seat in a state that has leaned Democratic in recent cycles. The Republican field is already competitive and includes:
- Royce White – Former NBA player who ran unsuccessfully against Sen. Amy Klobuchar in 2024.
- David Hann – Former Minnesota Senate minority leader.
- Adam Schwarze and Tom Weiler – Military veterans.
On the Democratic side, a crowded DFL primary is expected between:
- U.S. Rep. Angie Craig
- Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), led by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), quickly endorsed Tafoya, calling her “a proven leader with the name recognition and grit to win.”
Democrats responded sharply. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) labeled Tafoya’s positions “far-right” and “out of step with Minnesotans,” highlighting her past work as a spokesperson for an anti-abortion group and her support for policies they say would increase health care costs.
Why This Matters
Tafoya’s entry brings celebrity name recognition and immediate national attention to a race that was already expected to be one of the most competitive Senate contests of the 2026 midterms. Minnesota has not sent a Republican to the U.S. Senate in over two decades, but open seats often create opportunities for upsets.
As the campaign unfolds, Tafoya’s transition from NFL sideline reporter to U.S. Senate candidate will be closely watched—both in Minnesota and across the country.
Stay tuned for more on Michele Tafoya Senate run, Minnesota Senate race 2026, Tina Smith retirement, and NFL reporter turns politician as the race heats up.
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