Tony Dungy Endorses Michele Tafoya for Senate

The former NFL coach is backing the Republican candidate for the open Minnesota seat.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Football

Former NFL coach Tony Dungy has endorsed Republican candidate Michele Tafoya for the Minnesota Senate seat currently held by Senator Tina Smith. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Former NFL coach Tony Dungy has officially endorsed Michele Tafoya for the Minnesota Senate seat. Tafoya, the Republican nominee, is running in the upcoming election against Peggy Flanagan to replace retiring Senator Tina Smith.

Why it matters

Dungy's endorsement highlights the ongoing campaign battle for the seat left vacant by Tina Smith. While offering his support, Dungy clarified that he has no intentions of seeking public office himself, citing a desire to maintain his own religious and individual convictions rather than following party-line politics.

Recent polling shows Michele Tafoya trailing with 43.2% compared to 46.6% for Peggy Flanagan. Tafoya previously secured her spot on the ballot after winning more than 50% of the vote in the August 11 primary.

The players

Tony Dungy

At 71 years old, he is a former professional football player and head coach who gained prominence for his long tenure on NBC sports programming.

Michele Tafoya

She is the Republican nominee for the Minnesota Senate seat currently held by the retiring Tina Smith.

Peggy Flanagan

She is the Democratic-aligned candidate competing against Michele Tafoya in the Minnesota Senate race.

The details

Tony Dungy, who maintains a 30-year relationship with Tafoya, announced his support via a video message that the campaign subsequently shared on Instagram. Dungy ended his 17-season tenure with NBC's Football Night in America in March and recently appeared at a Florida event opposing Amendment 4.

Dungy began his coaching career at the Gophers in 1980.
Dungy served as defensive coordinator for the Vikings from 1992 to 1995.
Dungy first endorsed Tafoya in a video on May 26, 2026.
Tafoya won the Republican primary on August 11, 2026.
The Minnesota Senate election occurs on November 3, 2026.

Season Trajectory

This race represents a pivotal shift for the Minnesota political landscape following the retirement of Senator Tina Smith. The outcome will decide which party gains control of the seat, fundamentally altering the competitive balance of the state's delegation.

With the election set for November 3, voters are choosing between the candidates currently separated by a slim 3.4% margin in recent polls. This result will determine the next occupant of the Senate seat for the state of Minnesota.

The takeaway

Voters should review the platforms of both Michele Tafoya and Peggy Flanagan as the November election date approaches. Evaluating the specific policy differences between the candidates remains the most effective way for residents to participate in this Senate race.