Michele Tafoya, a well-known sports broadcaster, has announced her transition from NBC Sports to a new role in Republican politics. This move comes just a day after she worked her last Super Bowl as NBC’s sideline reporter.
Key Takeaways
- Michele Tafoya has joined the campaign of Kendall Qualls, a Republican gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota, as campaign co-chair.
- Tafoya will also make regular appearances on political talk shows and will be present at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
- She has hinted at a potential future political run but has not made any commitments yet.
New Role in Politics
Michele Tafoya, a Minnesota native, has taken on the role of campaign co-chair for Kendall Qualls, a Republican candidate in Minnesota’s governor race. This announcement was made by Qualls on Monday morning and confirmed by Tafoya in an interview with The Athletic.
In addition to her campaign role, Tafoya will also be making regular appearances on political talk shows. This move was widely anticipated after her controversial statements as a guest host on NBC’s The View last fall.
Conservative Political Action Conference
Tafoya is set to appear at this month’s Conservative Political Action Conference. She plans to interview outspoken NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom at the event, further solidifying her presence in the political arena.
Future Political Aspirations
In her interview with The Athletic, Tafoya teased a potential future political run. She mentioned that she has been asked multiple times to run for office in Minnesota but has not made any decisions yet. “A lot will depend on what transpires here over the next year,” she said.
Background and Controversies
Tafoya co-hosted The View for two episodes in November, where she shared her conservative views. She drew criticism for several comments, such as comparing Covid-19 to the flu and questioning the effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines. Shortly after her appearances, she missed three consecutive NBC Sunday Night Football broadcasts, although NBC stated this was a planned absence.
In December, it was reported that Tafoya would leave her role as a sideline reporter following the Super Bowl, a decision she confirmed was her own. There was also speculation that she could become a permanent co-host on The View, filling the conservative seat left open by Meghan McCain’s exit.
Conclusion
Michele Tafoya’s transition from sports broadcasting to Republican politics marks a significant shift in her career. While she has not committed to a future political run, her new role and upcoming appearances suggest she is seriously considering it. Her move has already sparked discussions and will likely continue to do so in the coming months.
