Former NBA player Royce White wins GOP Senate primary in Minnesota

Former NBA player Royce White won the Republican Senate primary race in Minnesota on Tuesday, defeating Navy veteran Joe Fraser. White will now challenge Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, who has held the seat since 2007, in November.

This isn’t White’s first foray into the political scene. He attempted to run against Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in 2022, but lost the Republican primary that year. Since then, White has found himself facing criticism for making derogatory comments about women, Jewish people, and the LGBT community, promoting conspiracy theories, and misusing campaign funds.

White, who was born in Minneapolis and was named Mr. Basketball in Minnesota in 2009, was selected 16th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2012 NBA Draft. His rookie season was derailed by his fear of flying and other mental health issues, which led to a dispute between him and the team. He never played for the Rockets, but did play briefly for their G League affiliate.

In the summer of 2013, White was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, who released him before he even played for the team. He later signed multiple 10-day contracts with the Sacramento Kings and appeared in three games that season, recording no stats other than a missed shot and two fouls.

White later played in the Canadian NBL, where he won MVP in 2017, and also in the BIG3. He also fought in one professional MMA bout in 2021, which he lost.

The voting date for the Senate election between White and Klobuchar has been set for November 5.