Ex-NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya announces Senate run

Ex-NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya announces Senate run originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya is preparing to step into the political spotlight, with plans to launch a Republican bid for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota.

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. pic.twitter.com/vDbHWpAXg9

— Michele Tafoya (@Michele_Tafoya) January 21, 2026

According to NBC News, Tafoya has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to form a Senate campaign committee, a move that formally positions her as a candidate. Multiple sources familiar with the decision say a public announcement is expected soon, setting the stage for a high-profile race in a state that has rarely been competitive for Republicans in recent years.

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The Minnesota seat is open following the retirement of Democratic Sen. Tina Smith, sparking crowded primary fields on both sides. On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig are among those seeking the nomination. Republicans, meanwhile, are hopeful the open seat could help them protect or expand their slim Senate majority.

Tafoya brings significant name recognition from her years covering the NFL for NBC Sports, though she would enter the race as a political newcomer. Since leaving sideline reporting, she has hosted a podcast and gradually become more involved in Republican politics. Sources say she met with leaders from the National Republican Senatorial Committee late last year as she weighed a potential run.

The Republican primary is expected to be competitive. Candidates already in the race include former professional basketball player Royce White, former state GOP chairman David Hann, and retired Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze. Minnesota’s endorsement process could play a major role, as the party traditionally backs a candidate at its state convention, though others can continue through a primary even without the endorsement.

Tafoya has described herself as a “pro-choice” Republican and suggested that positioning could resonate with moderate voters. Speaking on radio earlier this year, she said she had discussed a possible run with Sen. Tim Scott, who chairs the NRSC.

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“I think Minnesota is starving for a moderate Republican,” Tafoya said at the time, adding that voters are looking for a different approach to state leadership.