(Washington, January 21, 2026) – Former NFL reporter Michele Tafoya has launched a bid for the U.S. Senate in minnesota, entering the race as a Republican candidate with the support of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), according to reports from Politico and CBS News.
Tafoya, a longtime sportscaster, is seeking to unseat incumbent Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar in the 2026 election.
- Michele tafoya has filed the necessary paperwork to run for U.S. Senate in Minnesota as a Republican.
- The NRSC is supporting Tafoya’s campaign, signaling a strategic focus on the Minnesota Senate seat.
- Tafoya has publicly stated her intention to address what she describes as a “crisis of leadership” in the state.
- She previously worked as a sideline reporter for “Sunday Night Football.”
Tafoya Announces Senate Bid
Tafoya formally filed her candidacy paperwork on friday, according to reports from The Hill and CBS News. She has publicly stated her intention to challenge Senator Amy Klobuchar, who has held the seat since 2007.
Did you know? – Minnesota has not had a Republican senator since Norm Coleman left office in 2009. Tafoya faces an uphill battle against a well-established incumbent.
NRSC Support
The NRSC’s backing of Tafoya’s campaign indicates the committee views Minnesota as a potentially competitive Senate race, Politico reported.The NRSC provides financial and strategic support to Republican Senate candidates. This early endorsement signals a important investment in Tafoya’s campaign and a belief in her ability to challenge klobuchar.
Focus on ‘Crisis of Leadership’
According to Fox News, Tafoya has indicated she will focus her campaign on addressing a perceived “crisis of leadership” in Minnesota. Details of her specific policy proposals were not immediately available in the reporting. She left her role with NBC in 2022 and is positioning herself as an outsider who can bring fresh perspectives to Washington.
Pro tip – Following campaign finance reports will be crucial to understanding the resources available to both Tafoya and Klobuchar as the election cycle progresses.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by Politico, Fox News, CNN, CBS News, and The Hill and added independent analysis and context. The election is scheduled for November 2026, and the outcome will likely play a significant role in the balance of power in the Senate. As of now, the race is expected to be highly competitive, with both candidates expected to aggressively campaign for votes across the state.
