Former NBA player Royce White has secured the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent Democrat Senator Amy Klobuchar for her U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota. White, who played briefly in the NBA, has transitioned from sports to politics, bringing with him a mix of controversy and support from far-right figures.
Royce White, once a promising basketball player, was drafted 16th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2012 NBA Draft. However, his professional basketball career was short-lived, with White playing only nine minutes in the NBA. Despite his limited time on the court, White has remained in the public eye through his advocacy for mental health and his involvement in social justice movements, notably leading protests in Minnesota following the murder of George Floyd.
White’s political journey has been marked by his outspoken and often controversial views. He has been associated with far-right figures such as former Trump strategist Steve Bannon and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. His campaign has also been marred by allegations of antisemitic conspiracy theories and other inflammatory rhetoric.
Despite these controversies, White managed to secure the Republican nomination with a significant lead over his closest challenger, Joe Fraser. His victory in the primary sets the stage for a high-profile showdown with Senator Klobuchar, who has held her seat since 2007 and is considered a strong incumbent.
The upcoming election is expected to be a challenging one for White. Klobuchar, a well-established figure in Minnesota politics, won her primary with over 90% of the vote, indicating strong support within her party. Additionally, the turnout for the Democratic primary was significantly higher than that for the Republicans, suggesting a tough battle ahead for White.
White’s campaign focuses on issues such as securing the U.S.-Mexico border, reducing the national debt, and ending U.S. involvement in foreign wars. He also positions himself as a pro-life candidate, advocating for state-level control over abortion laws.
