Former NBA Player Royce White Wins GOP Nomination For Minnesota Senate Seat After Spending Campaign Funds At Strip Clubs

Royce White, a former NBA player with a tumultuous history, has secured the Republican nomination for the upcoming Senate election in Minnesota.

His victory was confirmed on Tuesday night, leading the primary with 38.7% of the vote, well ahead of his closest challenger, Joe Fraser, who received 29.3%.

White’s nomination is seen as a divisive choice, given his past controversies. Along with allegations of antisemitic conspiracy theories, White has called women “too mouthy,” and made other derogatory comments and outright slurs. Earlier this year he made headlines when it was revealed he used campaign funds from a failed 2022 Congressional bid at a full-nude strip club and limo services. Additionally, he has a history of court actions over missed child support payments

Despite this baggage, the Minnesota Republican Party endorsed White in May, and he has garnered the support of some far-right figures, such as former Donald Trump strategist Steve Bannon, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell and InfoWars host Alex Jones.

Prior to his political aspirations, White had a turbulent NBA career. He was a skilled player for Iowa State after he transferred from Minnesota (where he was suspended over a shoplifting incident at the Mall of America) but later joined the Houston Rockets as the No. 16 overall pick. He never played a minute for Houston Rockets and disputed with the organization over accommodations for his anxiety and fear of flying. He was subsequently traded to the Philadelphia 76ers and later signed a 10-day contract with the Sacramento Kings, where he saw limited playing time.

After his NBA journey, White found success in other professional basketball leagues, such as NBL Canada and Big3. He also attempted a career in mixed martial arts at one point.

White’s experience in the NBA has led him to become an advocate for increased mental health support, and he has gained attention for his involvement in protests in Minnesota after the murder of George Floyd.

The general election race in Minnesota is expected to be heavily tilted in favor of the Democrats, as incumbent Sen. Amy Klobuchar won her primary with more than 90% of the vote and the Democratic primary turnout was approximately 50% higher than the Republican primary.

The outcome of this Senate race will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.