Tafoya and Demuth target Moorhead businesses ahead of election

Republican candidates Michele Tafoya and Lisa Demuth spent Thursday, Oct. 29, in Moorhead pitching business owners and voters on a platform centered on reducing regulation and lowering costs. With days remaining before the election, both candidates focused on economic issues rather than broad partisan themes.

Tafoya, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, met with business leaders at DS Beverages shortly before Demuth’s arrival. She argued that state laws often create duplicative rules that stifle growth. Tafoya stated she wants to eliminate these barriers so businesses can expand more freely. She also proposed scaling back tariffs and addressing state fraud. Tafoya said her campaign operates with confidence, claiming the last eight years under Tim Walz and Peggy Flanagan show a record of failure.

Demuth, the Republican nominee for governor and former House Speaker, concluded her northern Minnesota tour in Clay County. She and her running mate, Ryan Wilson, addressed supporters at the Minnesota GOP office in Moorhead. Their stated priorities include cleaning up fraud, reforming education, and reducing vehicle tab costs to reinvest in infrastructure. Demuth argued that keeping more money in voters' pockets would expand the tax base without overtaxing residents.

"This matters very much that we get across the state and connect with voters," Demuth said. "We want to make sure that voters know how important this election is, and that every single vote matters." She emphasized the need to allow people to keep their hard-earned money while opening up the business economy.

The gubernatorial race pits Demuth against Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. The Senate race pits Tafoya against Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. Both Republicans framed their visits as final efforts to secure support in a key northern region before election day.

Minnesota’s DFL is conducting its own get-out-the-vote bus tour through the state. The party will stop in Moorhead, Fergus Falls, and Mahnomen on Saturday, Oct. 31.