Michelle Tafoya weighs 2026 Minnesota Senate run, to decide early next year

Former professional soccer reporter turned political activist and commentator Michele Tafoya is anticipated to make a remaining resolution early subsequent yr on whether or not she’s going to run for Senate within the 2026 race for a Democratic-held open seat in Minnesota, Republican Occasion sources confirmed to Fox Information Digital.

And Tafoya met final week with members of the Nationwide Republican Senatorial Committee, the Senate marketing campaign arm, which has recruited her to launch a marketing campaign, sources additionally confirmed. The information was first reported by Fox News’ OutKick.

Republicans are eyeing retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith’s seat in subsequent yr’s midterm elections, when the Republican Occasion hopes to not solely defend however presumably develop their present 53-47 majority within the Home.

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Former NFL sideline reporter turned political activist and commentator Michele Tefoya is severely contemplating a Republican run for Senate in Minnesota in 2026. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Photos)

If she broadcasts her candidacy, Tafoya would be a part of a crowded Republican Senate major subject that already contains 2024 Senate nominee Royce White, a former NBA basketball participant; retired U.S. Navy officer Tom Weiler, a 2022 Republican Occasion congressional candidate; and former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze.

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Progressive Minnesota Governor Peggy Flannagan is operating towards extra average Democratic Rep. Angie Craig, who seems to have the help of Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer within the race for his or her get together’s nomination.

Democratic Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota will retire on the finish of subsequent yr somewhat than run for re-election within the 2026 midterm elections. (Getty Photos)

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Tafoya, a longtime NFL sideline reporter and announcer, left her profession with NBC Sports activities in 2022 as she turned extra politically energetic and mentioned on the time that she needed to pursue different alternatives. She co-chaired Republican gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls’ failed 2022 marketing campaign towards Democratic Gov. Tim Walz.

Since then, Tafoya has turn out to be an outspoken critic of Walz and far-left Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, and convicted each in reference to the continued fraud scandal in Minnesota.

“Expensive @Tim_Walz – please first deal with the horrible fraud you allowed in Minnesota. Please. Our cash has been stolen,” Tafoya wrote in a social media put up final week.

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Republicans hope to interrupt their practically quarter-century dropping streak in Minnesota Senate elections. Then-GOP Sen. Norm Coleman’s 2002 reelection was the final Senate election victory for a Republican within the blue-leaning state.