Ex-NFL reporter Michele Tafoya wins Minnesota GOP primary

Field Level Media|published: Wed 12th August, 11:57 2026

Nov 25, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; NBC Sports commentator Michele Tafoya after the game between the New Orleans Saints and the Buffalo Bills at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images

Longtime NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya will be the Republican candidate for Minnesota's open seat in the U.S. Senate this November.

Tafoya, 61, received 52% of the vote in Tuesday night's GOP primary and will take on Minnesota's Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. The winner will fill the seat vacated by retiring Sen. Tina Smith, a Democrat.

Tafoya, who worked as a sideline reporter for NBC's "Sunday Night Football" from 2011-21, said Minnesotans are tired of corruption scandals and ready to elect their first Republican candidate to a statewide office since 2006.

"We've had a crisis of leadership here. We've seen what career politicians have done in this state," she told reporters after casting her ballot on Tuesday. "They've brought us to a place of national embarrassment, and this state is ready for change."

President Donald Trump did not endorse a candidate in the Republican primary. Adam Schwarze finished second with 24% of the vote and former NBA player Royce White was third with 11%.

Tafoya also worked as a sideline reporter for "Monday Night Football" on ESPN and ABC from 2004-10. She won five Sports Emmy Awards.

--Field Level Media

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