Tafoya Drops 5-Point Crime Plan on Flanagan and Delivers a Jab at Trump's Minnesota Mess

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 13: Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, Michele Tafoya, speaks during a press conference at the State Capitol building on October 13, 2026 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Tafoya, a former sports broadcaster, outlined her plans for law enforcement legislation as she campaigns against Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. (Credit: Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

The Briefing

• Republican Senate nominee Michele Tafoya unveiled a five-point public safety plan at the Minnesota State Capitol on Tuesday, October 13, backed by the state's largest police officer group, targeting Somali gang violence, an FBI threat intelligence hub, social media accountability, federal RICO prosecutions, and improved local-federal law enforcement coordination.
• Hours before the press conference, President Trump endorsed Tafoya at a Youngstown, Ohio rally; she acknowledged the news with a flat "I heard about that," then took direct aim at his administration's handling of immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities.
• The most recent Star Tribune/KARE 11 poll shows Flanagan ahead 47% to 43%—within the margin of error—with three weeks remaining before the November 3 election for the open Senate seat vacated by retiring Sen. Tina Smith.