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GOP Endorses Michele Tafoya, Leads Senate Poll

8/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The GOP endorsed sportscaster Michele Tafoya for the Minnesota Senate after Adam Schwarze was barred from the Farmfest forum.
A poll shows Tafoya at 41%, Royce White at 10%, Tom Weiler at 7% and Schwarze at 5%.
Veteran Tom Weiler, a submarine officer with Parkinson’s, says his military experience equips him to serve Minnesotans and backs the SAVE Act.
Minnesota’s Republican primary is set for Aug. 11, with early voting already underway.

History

Historical Context

Newt Gingrich’s 1994 Republican Revolution, driven by the Contract with America and a 54-seat House swing that ended a 42-year Democratic hold, reshaped GOP strategy. That wave of unified endorsements now echoes in today’s Minnesota Senate primary, where the party backs sportscaster Michele Tafoya and sidelines Adam Schwarze, illustrating how intra-party battles can still alter congressional composition.

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Story summary

The GOP endorsed sportscaster Michele Tafoya for the Minnesota Senate after Adam Schwarze was barred from the Farmfest forum.
A poll shows Tafoya at 41%, Royce White at 10%, Tom Weiler at 7% and Schwarze at 5%.
Veteran Tom Weiler, a submarine officer with Parkinson’s, says his military experience equips him to serve Minnesotans and backs the SAVE Act.
Minnesota’s Republican primary is set for Aug. 11, with early voting already underway.

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