Trump backs Tafoya in Minnesota Senate contest as national GOP stays cautious
President Donald Trump, while campaigning in Ohio, encouraged Minnesota voters to support Republican Senate candidate Michele Tafoya. Democrat Peggy Flanagan, the lieutenant governor, moved quickly to respond, while Tafoya downplayed the endorsement. Recent polling shows Flanagan ahead by single digits, and the race remains a possible Republican pickup even though major outside groups have not spent heavily.
Trump made the endorsement while in Ohio, telling Minnesota voters to support Tafoya in the contest for the state's open Senate seat. Tafoya, a onetime NFL sideline reporter, responded coolly, saying her bid aims to unite Minnesotans across 2024 presidential preferences.
Flanagan, Minnesota's lieutenant governor and Democratic nominee, quickly responded. Polls show Tafoya down by single digits, and a race rating shifted from Likely Democratic to Lean Democratic. Minnesota has not elected a Republican statewide in twenty years, and major outside groups on both sides have not invested heavily.
The endorsement could shape how Minnesota voters perceive the Senate race, especially those weighing Trump's influence against local concerns. It may force Tafoya to balance national Republican support with a state that has recently favored Democrats. Flanagan could use the connection to mobilize Democratic-leaning voters. The outcome may affect which party controls the Senate, influencing policy decisions that touch Minnesotans and beyond.