Royce White, a former college basketball star and leader in the George Floyd protests, is now a right-wing Senate candidate in Minnesota. He has faced numerous court-ordered child support payment issues, falling behind at least six times between 2020 and 2023. White has been found in contempt of court and faces the ongoing threat of jail time if he does not catch up with payments. Despite these challenges, White has gained attention after being endorsed by the Minnesota Republican Party and has received support from two-thirds of the voting delegates. His candidacy has sparked interest among conservatives, although some GOP strategists do not believe he is a viable candidate to win a general election.
White’s struggles with child support payments stem from court-ordered payments based on his NBA salary, even though he played only a few games in the league due to anxiety disorder issues. He has described the family court system as unfair to men and believes the issue of child support is exaggerated. Despite these challenges, White insists that he is current on his child support obligations. The details of his cases reveal instances where he fell behind on payments and was ordered to catch up and create a structured payment plan to address his obligations by a certain date.
Republicans who support White have overlooked his past judgments and debts, considering his candidacy a way to energize working-class voters. White’s unorthodox rise in politics began with his leadership in the George Floyd protests, which caught the attention of right-wing figures like Steve Bannon. White’s use of incendiary language and online behavior have sparked controversy, with opponents questioning his qualifications for the Senate candidacy. Despite these criticisms, some allies see his flaws as relatable points for voters and believe that he could potentially attract support from key demographic groups.
White’s nomination by the Minnesota Republican Party has stirred debate within the GOP about his suitability as a candidate and the potential impact of his controversial past on the race. Some argue that his past issues could be exploited by Democrats, while others see him as a refreshing change from traditional Republican candidates. White’s campaign platform focuses on issues such as rising federal debt, undocumented immigration, and foreign intervention, aiming to appeal to conservative voters. As the campaign season progresses, the outcome of White’s candidacy remains uncertain, with opinions divided on his ability to win a general election.
Despite criticisms of his candidacy, White’s supporters view him as a patriot and a leader within the MAGA movement. His willingness to challenge the status quo and take bold stances on key issues has resonated with some voters, even as he faces scrutiny for his past controversies. As the election approaches, White will need to navigate the challenges posed by his history with child support payments and incendiary behavior while continuing to champion his platform and appeal to voters. His unorthodox political rise demonstrates the complex dynamics at play within the Republican Party and the broader political landscape in Minnesota.
