Ex-NFL Reporter Tafoya Has GOP Backing for Minnesota Senate Seat

Jan. 21, 2026, 2:50 PM UTC

Sportscaster Michele Tafoya will seek the Republican nomination for an open Senate seat in Minnesota, a Democratic-leaning state Republicans are seeking to put in play in the 2026 election.

“For too long, hard-working people have been ripped off by criminals, corporations, and career politicians, and the people doing everything right are the ones paying the biggest price,” Tafoya, well-known to professional football fans as a former NFL sideline reporter for NBC’s Sunday night games, said in a campaign video filmed at a snow-covered football field.

Tafoya is seeking the seat of Sen. Tina Smith (D), who isn’t seeking reelection in ...

Learn more about Bloomberg Government or Log In to keep reading:

See Breaking News in Context

Providing news, analysis, data and opportunity insights.

Already a subscriber?

Log in to keep reading or access research tools and resources.