MN-SEN: Former NFL reporter Michele Tafoya (R) files paperwork for Minnesota Senate race [View all]

[RandySF]

Former NFL journalist Michele Tafoya filed paperwork on Tuesday to run for Minnesota Senate, giving a boost to Republicans as they look to flip retiring Sen. Tina Smith’s (D-Minn.) seat.

Tafoya, who worked as a “Sunday Night Football” sideline reporter for NBC Sports Group until 2022, has been widely speculated to be a potential GOP Senate candidate. She has attacked Rep. Angie Craig (Minn.) and Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, both Senate Democratic candidates, on social media.

Tafoya’s entry into the race delivers Republicans a key recruit in the state and will force Democrats to spend at least some money in a blue-leaning state, especially as they have grappled with a statewide fraud scandal.

Tafoya’s decision to run is also likely to sharpen conversations among Democrats about electability. Craig has already pointed to her record of taking on tough Republican challengers in a competitive House seat compared with that of the more progressive Flanagan.




https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5697782-michele-tafoya-minnesota-senate/