Royce White enters politics, challenges Klobuchar for Senate seat

Royce White, a former NBA player known for his outspoken and controversial views, is currently running for the Republican Senate candidate in Minnesota.

Although White had a promising start in basketball, averaging 13.4 points and 9.3 rebounds per game while playing at Iowa State, his career was derailed by mental health issues. Drafted 16th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, White played in just three games for the Sacramento Kings, scoring no points in a total of nine minutes. He suffered from anxiety disorders, particularly a fear of flying, which kept him away from the league and, ultimately, professional basketball.

White, 33, has shifted his focus to politics, defeating Marine veteran Joe Frazier in the Minnesota Republican primary. He will face incumbent Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat who has held the seat since 2007 and is considered a strong contender.

White’s campaign is based on populist rhetoric, as evidenced by the aggressive language on his campaign website. He accuses the government of corruption, distorting reality, creating chaos, and dividing the American people. He specifically targeted Klobuchar, claiming that she is complicit in corruption and must be replaced.

White’s campaign has not been without controversy. The Republican Jewish Coalition has accused him of anti-Semitism, making derogatory comments about women, supporting conspiracy theories, and has been criticized for spending campaign funds at strip clubs during his failed 2022 congressional run. In addition, White, a father of four, has been embroiled in legal battles over delinquent child support payments.

Despite these problems, White has the backing of the Minnesota Republican Party and support from far-right groups, including some led by former Trump associates. He believes he can expand the Republican base in Minnesota by appealing to African-American voters. However, his chances of defeating Klobuchar remain slim, given her strong influence in the seat.

White’s journey from the NBA to politics has been marked by his activism, especially after the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota, which sparked the Black Lives Matter movement. He also played in the Big3 basketball league, using his platform to promote political messages. Now, as the first Senate candidate born in the 1990s, White faces a challenging campaign in his bid for public office.