Michele Tafoya, a Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat from Minnesota, has found herself in hot water after denying past statements about her feelings towards her home state.

In a recent radio interview, Tafoya, a former NFL sideline reporter, emphatically stated, “I have never said that” when asked if she was embarrassed to be from Minnesota.

However, a thorough investigation by CNN’s KFile revealed that Tafoya had indeed expressed embarrassment about Minnesota in a now-deleted social media post from March 2023.

In that post, Tafoya wrote, “I’m embarrassed to say I live in Minnesota. This state has gone so far left it’s amazing any of the snow still sticks.”

In response to a suggestion from another user that she should leave the state, Tafoya replied, “That’s the plan! Have a great day!” indicating her desire to move, possibly to Tennessee.

The KFile report highlighted that Tafoya had conveyed her intentions to leave Minnesota on multiple occasions since 2020, including comments referring to herself as a “part-time Floridian” and praising Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis.

“I’m sitting here in snow and cold today, but eventually I’m gonna be a Florida resident,” Tafoya stated on her podcast back in 2022.

Her disdain for her home state’s political direction has been an ongoing theme. Just last August, she remarked, “Fleeing soon,” in reference to a post suggesting Minnesota was becoming similar to liberal California.

Before officially launching her Senate campaign, Tafoya made remarks insinuating that Minnesota was no longer a safe or appealing place to live.

Tafoya expressed that the presence of high-profile political figures like Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Governor Tim Walz contributed to her frustrations.

During the radio interview, she acknowledged her prior feelings of discontent, saying, “Well two years ago I was in that place,” but claimed that her children’s love for Minnesota changed her perspective.

In a response to CNN regarding her newfound loyalty to Minnesota, Tafoya stated, “I love Minnesota and I got into this race to fight for it,” suggesting a commitment to her campaign.

Despite her claims, Minnesota Democrats have jumped on the bandwagon, branding Tafoya as “Minnesota’s Biggest Hater” due to her mixed signals about her home state.

Tafoya is vying for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Tina Smith, placing her against Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in the upcoming November election.

The Minnesota Republican Party’s last victory in a Senate race dates back to 2002, making Tafoya’s campaign critical for the party’s future in the state.

As the election approaches, Tafoya’s political viability may hinge on overcoming perceptions of her loyalty to Minnesota, especially after her past comments.

While she attempts to portray herself as a dedicated advocate for Minnesota, questions linger regarding her commitment—particularly among voters who have tracked her previous criticisms.

The outcome of her Senate race could have significant implications not just for Tafoya, but for the future of Republican representation in Minnesota.

As the campaign heats up, voters will be watching carefully to see whether Tafoya can reconcile her past sentiments with her present ambitions.