Former NBA player Royce White, who is well-known for his contentious and outspoken opinions, is currently a Republican contender for the US Senate in Minnesota.
White’s professional basketball career was interrupted by mental health concerns, despite his impressive start to the game—during his Iowa State University season, he averaged 13.4 points and 9.3 rebounds. In just three games with the Sacramento Kings, White—who was chosen 16th overall in the 2012 NBA draft—spent a total of nine minutes on the court without netting a point. Due to his anxiety issues, especially his fear of flying, he was unable to play in the NBA and finally lost interest in the game.
White, who is 33 years old, turned his attention to politics and defeated Navy veteran Joe Fraser in the Minnesota Republican primary. He will go up against Democratic incumbent Senator Amy Klobuchar, who has been in office since 2007 and is seen as a formidable opponent.
White’s strong language on his candidacy website, where he accuses the government of corruption, distorting reality, and causing turmoil to split the American people, is indicative of the populist rhetoric that underpins his campaign. He accuses Klobuchar in particular of being involved in this corruption and demands that she be replaced.
There have been some contentious issues with White’s candidacy. The Republican Jewish Coalition has accused him of anti-Semitism. He has also been criticized for his spending on the campaign, made derogatory comments about women, and endorsed conspiracy theories.
unsuccessful bid for Congress in 2022. White, a father of four, has also been embroiled in legal battles for unpaid child support.
In spite of these problems, White enjoys the support of far-right organizations, some of which are headed by former Trump aides, as well as the Minnesota Republican Party. He thinks that by drawing in African-American voters, he can increase the size of the Republican base in Minnesota. He still has little chance of unseating Klobuchar, though, considering her firm hold on the position.
White’s involvement throughout his transition from the NBA to politics is noteworthy, especially in the wake of Minnesotan George Floyd’s murder, which sparked the Black Lives Matter movement. In addition, he took part in the Big3 basketball league, used his position to advocate for political causes. Currently, as the initial Senate contender
