Former Minnesota Vikings captain Jack Brewer characterized Abdul El-Sayed's victory in Michigan's Democratic U.S. Senate primary as a "warning shot to America." Brewer also voiced support for Michele Tafoya, a conservative candidate in Minnesota's Republican U.S. Senate primary, stating she is capable of attracting Democratic and independent voters.
"It’s good when you see the darkness before you," Brewer said regarding El-Sayed's win. "You see exactly what we’re up against as Americans when we have our major cities, major states, with folks like this winning primaries on the verge of having control of populations of that size."
El-Sayed, a physician and former Detroit public health director, narrowly defeated U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in the Michigan primary. He is set to face Republican Mike Rogers in the November general election. El-Sayed's platform includes proposals for Medicare-for-all, increased taxes on wealth, campaign finance reform, and an end to unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel.
Brewer stated that President Trump's election victory did not resolve existing political and cultural issues across the country. "We’ve got a lot, lot of things to fix. And it’s pretty scary when you start to see these radical leftists starting to gain more and more power across the country," he said.
Regarding El-Sayed, Brewer admitted he had not closely followed the candidate prior to the campaign's final stages. "Man, I didn’t know much about him to be honest with you," Brewer said. "As the election became closer and closer, you started to hear and see stories and hear the things that he says." Brewer did not specify any particular policy or statement from El-Sayed that raised concerns, instead describing his rhetoric as "confusion."
Brewer expressed satisfaction with Michele Tafoya's victory in Minnesota's Republican U.S. Senate primary. "I was very happy. Michele Tafoya, who’s a friend and someone that I highly, highly respect, it’s good to see grounded conservative voices stepping up in that state," he said.
Tafoya, a former NFL sideline reporter, secured 52.07% of the vote in her primary race. She will face Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who defeated U.S. Rep. Angie Craig. Brewer noted that no Republican has won a statewide election in Minnesota since 2006, but predicted Tafoya could build a coalition beyond the Republican base. "I think she has a chance to bring over enough Democratic voters and independents to win that election," he said.
Brewer also commented on former NBA player Royce White, who unsuccessfully challenged Tafoya in the Republican primary and recently announced plans to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft. Brewer stated he had met White and respected his challenge to the WNBA's approach to transgender eligibility. "I think what he’s doing and Enes is doing is they’re trying to stand up for women," Brewer said.
Addressing Vikings fans, Brewer urged them to reject current political leadership in Minnesota. "Stop supporting foolishness. Enough is enough," he said. Brewer, who lived in Minnesota for years and played college football at the University of Minnesota, called on residents to "use the common sense that you have."
Brewer is affiliated with the conservative organization America First Policy Institute, where he serves as chair of Opportunity Now and vice chair of the Center for 1776.