By Trendsetter Tribune 
Former television sports reporter Michele Tafoya has officially launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota as a Republican. Tafoya filed federal paperwork on Tuesday and released a campaign video Wednesday, aiming to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.
Tafoya highlighted what she called a “crisis in leadership” in Minnesota and said she wants to address challenges facing middle-class families, including housing costs, energy prices, and education. She expressed support for law enforcement and collaboration between local and federal authorities amid ongoing security concerns in the Twin Cities.
The Republican primary features several contenders, including former NBA player Royce White, former Minnesota GOP chair David Hann, Navy veteran Tom Weiler, and former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze. On the Democratic side, progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and centrist Rep. Angie Craig are preparing for a competitive primary.
Tafoya previously spent over a decade covering major sports events for NBC, ABC, ESPN, and CBS, including “NBC Sunday Night Football.” She also co-chaired a gubernatorial campaign in 2022.