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There’s an open seat in the U.S. Senate, and Republicans are trying to do something they haven’t since 2006: Win a statewide election.

Both parties are working to figure out their nominees for November. 

Veteran sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya is taking the political plunge, and if she succeeds she might be one of the more recognizable U.S. senators. 

Can Tafoya overcome what’s shaping up as a tough environment for Republicans? If she does, what would would Tafoya do in Washington? 

Coming up Friday at noon, MPR politics editor Brian Bakst will speak with Tafoya about what led her to run and what it will take to win in November.  

Then, the view from some political strategists on how they see the legislative session wrapping up and the fall campaign shaping up. 

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Politics Friday

Election 2026 

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It has been 20 years since Republicans last won a statewide race in Minnesota. Friday at noon, former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya makes her case for why she can prevail in the U.S. Senate race.  

A woman holds a microphone on the sidelines of a football game

Politics Friday: Will Michele Tafoya's public profile transfer to politics?

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