Michele Tafoya, a GOP Senate candidate, criticizes Minnesota’s leaders for allegedly ignoring a massive fraud scheme, as she aims to secure a Republican seat in the upcoming election.
Michele Tafoya, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, has directed sharp criticism at Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison over an alleged $9 billion fraud scandal. This controversy is emerging as a focal point in her campaign to replace retiring Senator Tina Smith, a Democrat.
Tafoya, 61, is running in a competitive race where Republicans are keen to challenge Walz and Ellison regarding a significant fraud scheme involving daycare, food aid, and health clinics that reportedly occurred under their watch. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Tafoya asserted that this widespread fraud could potentially flip a Senate seat red in Minnesota for the first time since 2008, emphasizing that many residents are “angry” about the situation.
“Fraud is certainly at the forefront of this election,” Tafoya stated. She further accused Walz and Ellison of negligence, claiming, “I think that Tim Walz and Keith Ellison are both to blame for this fraud. Look, they’re at the top. And as one very revered former United States senator told me, that amount of money cannot change hands without people knowing.” Tafoya insisted that accountability is necessary for the alleged fraud.
In response, Brian Evans, a spokesperson for Ellison, defended the attorney general’s record, stating that the office has actively pursued fraud cases through the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. According to Evans, this unit has secured over 340 convictions and is recognized as one of the most efficient fraud-fighting teams in the nation. He also noted that Ellison is advocating for a bipartisan bill to enhance the resources and authority of the fraud control unit.
During a recent congressional hearing, both Walz and Ellison defended their actions regarding fraud prevention. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, indicated that both officials were aware of the fraud but “repeatedly failed to act.” Tafoya claimed they appeared dismissive during their testimony before the committee in March, stating, “People knew this was going on. We have seen it with the Quality ‘Learning’ Center. We know that there have been so many mistakes made. And when you are the governor, the buck stops with you.”
As a first-time candidate, Tafoya aims to flip the Senate seat and believes that Minnesotans are “ready for a change.” She described the electorate as “fed up and disillusioned.” In a related discussion about a recent case of voter fraud involving a noncitizen in Minnesota, Tafoya connected this issue to the broader fraud scandal, asserting, “Walz and company want us to believe there’s zero voter fraud.” She added, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I’m certain that’s not the only example. And for them to say that we had perfect elections, when they have just proven that they are willing to lie through their teeth about where our money is going, is laughable.”
Despite her criticisms of Walz and Ellison, Tafoya is not directly running against them in the current election cycle. She must first navigate a crowded primary to secure the Republican nomination. Following this, she would face either Rep. Angie Craig or Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in the general election, both of whom she claims are competing to “out-left” each other.
Tafoya specifically criticized Flanagan for a controversial statement regarding the Somali community, saying, “She got dressed in a hijab and told Minnesotans, ‘Somalis built Minnesota.’ That was so offensive to everyone in the state. So that gives you an example of how much of a leftist she is.”
While Tafoya has garnered support from prominent figures such as Senator Tim Scott, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, she is still awaiting an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Tafoya acknowledged that it is ultimately Trump’s decision whether to endorse her campaign, stating, “I’m going to let him speak for himself on any endorsement. We would happily take it. But right now, we are the candidate that has raised the most money by far in the Republican senatorial race in Minnesota, and we think that speaks very highly of our chances.”
Tafoya has reported raising over $2 million between January and March of this year, with nearly $1.9 million remaining on hand, according to Federal Election Commission filings. She holds a financial advantage over Flanagan, who has raised $1.4 million and has $1.1 million on hand. However, both candidates trail Craig, who has raised $2.5 million and has an impressive $4.9 million available.
Fox News Digital reached out to Governor Walz for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
According to Fox News Digital, Tafoya’s campaign continues to gain traction as she emphasizes accountability for the alleged fraud scandal in Minnesota.