Ex-NFL reporter Michele Tafoya announced that she was running for U.S. senator to represent Minnesota.

"I’m not willing to stand on the sidelines while Minnesotans are let down by leaders who refuse to take responsibility,” Tafoya said in her campaign video.

“This campaign is about putting people first — not politics as usual."

Tafoya is launching her senatorial campaign amid heightened federal scrutiny in Minnesota stemming from widespread fraud discovered in the state's social services and welfare programs.

A video released by YouTuber Nick Shirley alleging millions of dollars in fraud by members of the Somalian diaspora led the Trump administration to pause all childcare payments to the state and deploy Homeland Security Investigations and ICE agents to Minnesota.

Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) also announced that he would not be seeking reelection so he could better focus on rampant fraud.

"We are suffering a crisis here in Minnesota, and really, it's a crisis of leadership,” Tafoya told Fox News Digital. “We have career politicians who have brought us to this place, and they're not coming to save us. So, some of us are going to have to step up and clean up the mess ourselves."

Tafoya is running for Sen. Tina Smith’s open seat (D-MN), who will be retiring at the end of her term. Tafoya was recruited by the National Republican Senatorial Committee to run, making headlines last month of her potential bid when she first met with Committee members.

She faces a crowded primary of Senate hopefuls, which include ex-NBA basketball player Royce White, retired U.S. Navy officer Tom Weiler,former state Senator David Hann and former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze.

Meanwhile, candidates fighting for the Democratic include Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Democratic Rep. Angie Craig.