Senator Amy Klobuchar creates history in Minnesota, beating ex-NBA player who once claimed "women have become too mouthy"
Ex-NBA player Royce White lost Minnesota's top election matchup against Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar on Tuesday. He entered the race for a U.S. Senate seat as an outsider and was surprised when the Republican Party backed him in May. He then beat Navy veteran Joe Fraser to earn the opportunity to face Klobuchar.
With the win, Klobuchar was elected for a record-setting fourth term in Minnesota. According to Eric Ostermeier, curator of the Minnesota Historical Election Archive at the University of Minnesota, Klobuchar has the most consecutive wins by a Democratic senator since 1918.
“To the state of Minnesota. I once again pledge to you I will stand my ground while always seeking common ground,” Klobuchar told her supporters in St. Paul, via the AP. “I will strive every day to be worthy of your faith and trust.”
Royce White's political career hasn't been exempt from controversy. The ex-NBA player has a podcast called "Please Call Me Crazy," where he's talked about any topic. His comments haven't been met positively by many, especially his comments against women.
While on longtime Donald Trump ally Steve Bannon's podcast in July, the former Houston Rockets player expressed his opinion against modern-day women.
“Look, let’s just be frank. Women have become too mouthy. As the Black man in the room, I’ll say that.”
Despite the controversies, his discourse earned plenty of followers who voted for him to beat Klobuchar. That didn't happen, but White vowed to keep working to make things work in both Minnesota and the entire country.
Ex-NBA player Royce White reacts after election loss
Royce White had a lengthy reaction to his loss in the 2024 elections but also recognized the impact that Donald Trump had on a lot of voters. The ex-NBA player took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts about the election and make it clear that he won't give up trying to help people.
"We will continue to fight. These things take time, we know where we need to go, what we need to do. It's not about the count, it's about the perception and the people.
"We don't have the resources to lawyer up and fight the corruption, or you all know I would in a heartbeat," he tweeted on Wednesday.
Royce White was selected by the Houston Rockets in the 2012 NBA draft, but he never played with the franchise due to mental health issues. His entire NBA career consisted of nine minutes in three games for the Sacramento Kings in March 2014.