Royce White Wins Minnesota Republican Senate Primary
In a closely contested battle, Royce White has emerged victorious in the Republican senate primary race in Minnesota. White, 31, defeated Navy veteran Joe Fraser, securing his position for a November showdown against Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar.
White's victory highlights a significant pivot from his career in professional basketball to a burgeoning political journey. Born in Minneapolis, White's athletic prowess was evident early on. In 2009, he was named Mr. Basketball in Minnesota, an accolade that set the stage for his selection as the 16th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. Despite this promising start, White’s rookie season was marred by his well-documented fear of flying and ongoing mental health issues, preventing him from playing an official game for the Rockets.
The ensuing years saw White traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in the summer of 2013, but his challenges persisted. He was waived by the 76ers before making any appearances on court. White’s NBA career included brief stints with the Sacramento Kings, where he signed multiple 10-day contracts and appeared in just three games. Nevertheless, his talent shone through in different arenas; White won the MVP in the Canadian National Basketball League (NBL) in 2017 and had a notable stint in the BIG3 basketball league.
White's transition from sports to politics has not been without controversy. His attempts to challenge Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in 2022 ended in a loss in the Republican primary. Alongside his political ambitions, White has faced significant criticism and controversy over his derogatory comments about women, Jewish people, and the LGBT community. Such remarks have led critics to label him as a polarizing figure. Moreover, allegations regarding his promotion of conspiracy theories and the misappropriation of campaign funds have further tarnished his political image. Despite these controversies, White’s campaign has also focused on key issues such as mental health advocacy—a topic he is personally familiar with from his own experiences.
As he prepares for the upcoming November 5th election, the stakes could not be higher. He will be up against Amy Klobuchar, a formidable opponent who has held her Senate seat since 2007. Klobuchar’s tenure and significant political experience contrast sharply with White’s relatively nascent political career.
White’s journey from the basketball court to the political arena is indeed unique, filled with both triumphs and tribulations. As November approaches, the real battle begins for Royce White, who will need to overcome not just his political adversaries but also the controversies and criticisms that have dogged his campaign thus far.