Royce White Joins Minnesota Senate Race

Royce White, a candidate for the Republican nomination in the upcoming primary against Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, has garnered attention for his controversial associations and past remarks. Last month, White publicly praised Steve Bannon, calling him “an American hero,” and has also been linked to conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. His history includes a series of problematic social media comments deemed misogynistic, homophobic, and antisemitic, alongside ongoing legal and financial issues, such as unpaid child support and questionable campaign expenditures. In a surprising turn of events, White secured the Minnesota Republican Party's endorsement in May, with Bannon's support, despite the state's historical lean towards Democratic candidates. His victory over more traditional Republican candidate Joe Fraser at the state party convention shocked many, including White himself. Fraser criticized White's past, suggesting it would be a liability in the general election against Klobuchar. White's background includes a tumultuous college career, marked by a shoplifting arrest that led to his departure from the University of Minnesota. He later excelled at Iowa State and was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2012, though he never played due to an anxiety disorder that included a fear of flying. White claims he has since overcome this issue and is prepared to travel if elected. As the primary approaches, Klobuchar's campaign remains focused on her legislative work, while Fraser and others express concern over White's controversial affiliations and past actions, highlighting the challenges he may face in the general election.