Former Sunday Night Football sideline reporter Michele Tafoya is now reportedly seriously considering a run for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota, potentially adding another high-profile name to the growing list of sports figures stepping into the political arena.
According to a report from OutKick published Monday, Tafoya met last week with officials from the National Republican Senatorial Committee in Washington, D.C., as Republicans look to recruit a strong candidate for the Minnesota race. Sources told the outlet that Tafoya is “expected to make a final decision in early 2026,” suggesting discussions are moving beyond the exploratory phase.
The report said Tafoya also met with the Senate Leadership Fund and other Republican stakeholders during her visit to the capital. The NRSC has reportedly been actively recruiting her to challenge Democrats in Minnesota, where the Democratic primary is shaping up as a contest between progressive favorite Peggy Flanagan and Angie Craig, who has the backing of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.
Tafoya’s potential candidacy would mark a notable shift from sports journalism to electoral politics, though she has already been building a public profile in conservative commentary since leaving broadcasting. She worked her final NFL game at Super Bowl LVI in 2022 and has since been increasingly vocal on political issues, positioning herself as a critic of progressive orthodoxy and a defender of conservative values.
Her possible entry into the race mirrors a broader trend of well-known sports figures exploring public office. ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum recently weighed a run for a U.S. Senate seat in Alabama before ultimately deciding against it. That seat will soon be vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a former Auburn football coach who is now running for governor.
In Texas, retired Major League Baseball player Mark Teixeira has already made the leap. The former first baseman, best known for his time with the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees, announced his Republican bid for Texas’ 21st congressional district in August, further highlighting the crossover appeal of athletes and sports personalities in modern politics.
For Minnesota Republicans, Tafoya’s name recognition and media savvy could make her an appealing candidate in a state that has long been challenging territory for the GOP in statewide races. Her background in broadcasting gives her instant visibility, while her post-NFL work as a political commentator has helped introduce her to conservative voters nationwide.
Still, Tafoya has not formally declared her candidacy, and a final decision is not expected until early next year. If she does run, the race is likely to draw national attention, given Minnesota’s importance on the Senate map and the high-profile nature of the Democratic primary.
As Republicans search for candidates who can energize the base while appealing to a broader electorate, Tafoya’s potential entry underscores the party’s continued effort to recruit recognizable figures with built-in platforms — and the growing intersection between sports, media, and politics.
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