Trump-Aligned Former NFL Reporter Tafoya Opens Up Big Lead in Minn. Primary

Additional Republican candidates who have either declared or filed paperwork include Alycia Gruenhagen, Christopher Brooks, Mark York, Ray Petersen, Schwarze, and Weiler.

Despite Tafoya’s sizable primary lead, Republicans still face a difficult general election environment in Minnesota, a state Democrats have consistently carried in recent federal elections.

Major election forecasters, including the Cook Political Report, currently rate the seat as leaning Democratic due to Minnesota’s recent voting history and partisan makeup.

Democrats are also preparing for a closely watched primary battle.

The leading Democratic contenders are U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Peggy Flanagan.