The largest association of law enforcement officers in Minnesota has endorsed Republican Michele Tafoya for U.S. Senate over Democrat Peggy Flanagan.
“This endorsement reflects our strong confidence in your leadership, character, and steadfast commitment to public safety,” David Titus, executive director of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA), wrote in a letter to Tafoya, whose opponent once called for “rethinking policing.”
“The men and women who serve in communities throughout our state deeply appreciate your dedication to ensuring their safety and the safety of the citizens they protect,” he added.
MPPOA has previously endorsed Democrats such as Sen. Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig.
The Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis also endorsed Tafoya last week, saying she “understands that public safety is a fundamental responsibility of government.”
Reacting to MPPOA’s endorsement, Tafoya said “supporting the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe with the tools, resources, and respect they need is not optional — it is basic common sense.”
“Career politicians have spent years pushing policies that made our streets less safe and left Minnesotans feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods. It’s time to get back to normal and put adults back in charge who will stand with law enforcement and restore public safety,” she added.
Tafoya and Flanagan are competing for one of Minnesota’s seats in the U.S. Senate that is being vacated by Sen. Tina Smith, who is retiring at the end of her term.
Although Flanagan will benefit from Minnesota’s leftward tilt in the general election this November, Tafoya is widely viewed as one of the best statewide candidates the GOP has nominated in Minnesota in years.
In fact, Rep. Craig, who ran against Flanagan in the Democratic primary, said as much during a June debate.
“She’s one of the best candidates they have fielded in 20 years,” Craig said of Tafoya, before attacking Flanagan’s record on fraud as the current lieutenant governor in Gov. Tim Walz’s administration.
“Fraud is the number-one issue. Do we really want someone who has served as the number two in the state government who takes no responsibility or accountability for anything that was happening under her watch, even while the governor was running for vice president, as our candidate?” Craig asked.
Craig ultimately lost the Democratic U.S. Senate primary to Flanagan by about 20 points earlier this month in a win for the progressive wing of the party.
According to the most recent campaign finance records, Flanagan’s campaign has raised over $6.51 million since she launched her candidacy in February of 2025. Meanwhile, Tafoya has raised over $5.29 million since jumping into the race in January of 2026.
As of July 30, Tafoya had over $1.33 million in cash on hand while Flanagan had over $1.05 million in campaign cash.
The last time Republicans won a U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota was in 2002.
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
