In a Thursday morning social media post, former NBA player Royce White announced that he will run for U.S. Senate in 2026. The campaign announcement marks White’s third bid for office in Minnesota.
“This morning, I’m announcing that I fully intend to run against Tina Smith for U.S. Senate in 2026,” said White. “The campaign starts TODAY!”
Just two days ago, White lost his 2024 Senate bid to incumbent Democrat Amy Klobuchar by roughly 16 points. In 2022, White sought the Minneapolis-area congressional seat currently held by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. However, the former NBA player did not advance past the GOP primary.
“Minnesota is an uphill battle in many regards,” wrote White. “I love a good uphill battle though. 1st it was Ilhan Omar, now Amy Klobuchar … I take on the hard fights because I’m not in it for me or the money.”
In his social media post announcing his new campaign, White discussed a variety of topics including the 2024 election, the MAGA movement, the Minnesota Republican Party, and president-elect Donald Trump, saying, “The prosperity that comes from Donald Trump’s 2nd Term, will only help rebuild the Republican Party brand in Minnesota and all across the country.”
During his 2024 campaign, White, a former NBA player, positioned himself as an anti-establishment outsider who was opposed to elements of both parties. Campaigning with the slogan, “The People Are Coming,” White ran on a platform that sought to secure the border, tackle the debt problem, and oppose forever wars.
While White lost to Klobuchar by a wide margin (roughly 16 points), the contest between the pair was the closest of Klobuchar’s four Senate elections. The Minnesota Democrat had previously won her first three Senate races by more than 20 points.
The Senate seat now sought by White is currently occupied by Democrat Tina Smith. A former lieutenant governor and longtime Democratic operative, Smith has held the seat since 2018 when she was appointed to fill the remainder of former Sen. Al Franken’s term.
In 2020, Smith won a full six-year term in the U.S. Senate by beating Republican Jason Lewis by roughly 5 points.
Smith has stated that she plans on running for reelection in 2026. However, there is a long list of Democrats, including Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Secretary of State Steve Simon and others, who may be interested in the seat if Smith eventually opts against running.
Luke Sprinkel
Luke Sprinkel previously worked as a Legislative Assistant at the Minnesota House of Representatives. He grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK) living in England, Thailand, Tanzania, and the Middle East. Luke graduated from Regent University in 2018.
