Former NBA Player Royce White Running To Unseat Rep. Ilhan Omar in Minnesota
Royce White, a former college basketball star, announced on Tuesday (February 22) he’s running for Congress in Minnesota.
The 30-year-old is vying for the state’s fifth congressional U.S. representative seat, which is currently held by Democrat Ilhan Omar. The former Iowa State player is one of three Republicans currently squaring off against the congresswowan.
In a new campaign video announcing his candidacy, White uses montages of analysts commenting on his character as well as a voice-over from him.
“Ten years ago, I took on the NBA and the establishment,” he said in his video monologue. “I said that mental health was one of the greatest issues we face. And I was willing to give up my dream to fight for people I have never met. I took the lead when others wouldn’t.
“My name is Royce White,” he continues. “I am a fifth-generation Minnesotan and a product of the Twin Cities. But first and foremost, I am an American.”
White also discusses his views on the United States.
”I’m running for Congress because our leaders have sold us out,” he said. ”We have to fight for freedom, we have to protect our communities. We have to restore what it means to be an American citizen.”
White played for Iowa State during the 2011-12 season, leading the team in scoring (13.4 points per game), rebounds (9.3 per game) and assists (5.0 per game). He declared for the NBA Draft and was selected 16th overall by the Houston Rockets.
The forward only played in the league for one season, participating in three games for the Sacramento Kings. During his short stint in the NBA, White was very vocal about his anxiety and mental health in general, which put him at odds with the organization.
