Republican nominee and former NBA player Royce White lost his bid for a U.S. Senate seat Tuesday after falling to incumbent Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar in Minnesota’s top election matchup.
Former NBA player Royce White defeated Navy veteran Joe Fraser in Minnesota’s primary election in August
White said he was as surprised as anyone when the state Republican Party endorsed him in May. However, his victory over Navy veteran Joe Fraser in Minnesota’s primary election stunned millions.
“I thank every Minnesotan who voted in tonight’s primary election,” White wrote on X in August. “I’m deeply honored to have your support during this critical time in our nation’s history. For many years, Republicans have talked about expanding our tent and focusing on the Twin Cities Metro.
“I am committed to growing the base, bringing disenfranchised democrats into the tent, and unifying all conservatives in Minnesota. By doing this, we will deliver a victory for President Trump this November. Together we will bring the battle to unseat Amy Klobuchar.”
Trump has won… Mission accomplished. Everybody knows it. In Minnesota we saw what we needed to see. We got the information we needed to get. When the swamp controls the mainstream media, donors and count… All we can do is give people the information and an option. I was… pic.twitter.com/skzRgschj0
— Royce White 🇺🇸 (@Highway_30) November 6, 2024
Following his bid loss, White tweeted that he’ll remain committed to reshaping the GOP in Minnesota. He also questioned whether Senate Republicans will use their new majority to put America’s interests first and slow the decline of the nation.
“Trump has won… Mission accomplished. Everybody knows it. In Minnesota we saw what we needed to see. We got the information we needed to get,” White wrote on X.
“What we can do, what we will do, is get to work on 26 and 28 starting tomorrow. Jump Ball! I held my tongue but this Minnesota Republican party must change. The party nationwide must change…
“… Thank you to all the Minnesotans and everybody across the country supporting us. We have just begun!”
White was selected 16th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2012 NBA draft out of Iowa State
White, 33, was a first-round pick by the Houston Rockets in the 2012 NBA draft but never played for the team after disclosing mental health issues and refusing to fly to road games with the team. The 6-foot-8, 260-pounder was a power forward out of Iowa State.
He signed multiple 10-day contacts with the Sacramento Kings in 2013, playing in three games, but was eventually let go before playing overseas for several years.
White has also played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and the Reno Bighorns of the NBA G League. From 2016 to 2018, he played for the London Lightning of the NBL Canada, winning a championship and an MVP award.
Following his playing career, White ran and lost in the GOP primary for a U.S. House seat in 2022.
He argued that, as a Black candidate, he could broaden the party’s base by appealing to voters of color in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and others disillusioned with establishment politics.
White entered the race as a decided underdog to Klobuchar.
