Former NBA player Royce White has secured the Republican nomination to challenge three-term Democrat Senator Amy Klobuchar in the upcoming Minnesota Senate race. White, who briefly played with the Sacramento Kings in 2014, emerged victorious from a crowded primary field, bolstered by high-profile endorsements from key figures within former President Trump’s circle, as reported by Fox News.

Backing White are notable conservatives like Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake, and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell. The Minnesota GOP also threw its support behind him. Known for his unapologetic stance as a “MAGA extremist,” White’s alignment with Trump’s populist ideals has clearly resonated with Minnesota’s conservative base.

White’s win sends a clear message to the state GOP establishment, as he triumphed over retired U.S. Navy officer Joe Fraser, who had the backing of two former GOP senators and a former governor. This victory highlights the growing influence of grassroots, MAGA-driven candidates over traditional party picks.

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Financially, White faces a tough battle ahead. He’s raised just over $125,000 this cycle and enters the general election with around $53,000 in his campaign coffers. In contrast, Klobuchar, a seasoned political veteran, has amassed $12 million in contributions, with $6.5 million still on hand.

While White’s campaign may seem like a long shot, given Minnesota’s recent trend toward the left, his candidacy injects new energy into the state’s conservative movement. Klobuchar, the first woman to represent Minnesota in the Senate, has a strong track record, winning re-election twice since her initial campaign in 2006. However, with White’s bold, Trump-aligned platform, this race could prove to be a litmus test for the enduring strength of MAGA in the Midwest.

This piece was written by LifeZette News Staff on August 14, 2024. It originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.

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