Republican Senate Hopes Rise in Minnesota

Republicans see a rare chance to gain a Senate seat in Minnesota. GOP candidate Michele Tafoya is closing the gap with Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Fox News adjusted its forecast, now showing the race leaning towards Republicans, just weeks before Election Day.

For nearly 25 years, Republicans haven’t won a Senate seat in this predominantly Democratic state. Tafoya, a former NFL sideline reporter, aims to change this by winning the seat vacated by retiring Democrat Sen. Tina Smith.

A poll by Minnesota Star Tribune/KARE 11 shows Tafoya trailing Flanagan by a mere four points. Fox News Power Rankings moved the race from Likely Democrat to Lean Democrat.

“Minnesotans are learning about me and my opponent,” Tafoya told Fox News Digital. “They’re realizing the need for fresh ideas and independent thinking.”

The Flanagan campaign did not respond when asked for a comment.

This race unfolds amidst Minnesota’s widespread welfare fraud scandal. The scandal, which has been in the spotlight for a year, led Democratic Gov. Tim Walz to step down from his 2026 re-election bid. It has been a key issue for Tafoya’s campaign.

Tafoya highlighted that fraud occurred while Flanagan was the second-in-command. “Not only was money stolen, but programs meant to help children, seniors, and others were gutted,” she said.

In response, Flanagan expressed anger over the fraud and acknowledged public frustration. She stressed she wasn’t in charge of the agencies involved.

“It’s been nonstop coverage,” said Kirsten Kukowski, a veteran Republican strategist, to Fox News Digital. “Flanagan carries significant baggage due to the fraud.”

Tafoya also addressed recent gang-related violence in Minneapolis-St. Paul suburbs. She presented a five-point plan to fight the violence.

“We will achieve more in eight weeks in the Senate than Flanagan has in eight years,” Tafoya told Fox News Digital. She noted the need to identify the issue of Somali gang violence, criticizing Flanagan’s hesitation to do so.

Flanagan, a progressive backed by prominent figures such as Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, defeated moderate Rep. Angie Craig in the primary by 20 points.

Tafoya won over 50% in the GOP primary. National Republicans like Sen. Tim Scott actively supported her.

Sen. Scott praised Tafoya on “Hannity,” saying, “Michele Tafoya has a story to tell. This race will be tight.”

Tafoya receives national support through small donations across the country, according to her statement. She expressed optimism in winning on ideas.

Democrats remain hopeful. They believe popular Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar will bolster Flanagan’s campaign.

Lauren French, communications director for the Senate Majority PAC, expressed confidence in Flanagan, citing poll leads and labeling Republican efforts in Minnesota as a “ploy.”

Flanagan ties Tafoya to former President Trump, emphasizing Tafoya’s alignment with his policies – a critical angle as Trump’s approval in Minnesota remains low.

Notably, Tafoya distances herself from Trump on some topics. She supports abortion rights and stresses independence in a campaign ad. Trump’s public support for Tafoya reinforced her candidacy.