(FILE/KSTP-TV)
Royce White, the former Hopkins basketball standout turned U.S. Senate candidate, is challenging a judge’s order of protection issued for his ex-wife and teenage son.
White filed the appeal last week, two months after a Hennepin County judge found credible allegations of abuse and threats by White toward his ex-wife and child, issuing a 50-year order of protection against White.
In his appeal, White claims the judge was biased during court proceedings.
The court filing states that White’s ex-wife was allowed to present her evidence but White wasn’t allowed to present witnesses or argue against certain findings.
In a phone call, White told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS the case focused on “many instances,” but he pointed specifically to one moment last summer in which his teenage son was apparently caught holding a joint in view of a video doorbell camera.
White claimed in the phone call that he reprimanded his son but denied abuse, asking, “When did it become frowned upon to discipline your son for being involved with marijuana?” He also attacked Hennepin County judges for going light on certain criminals but imposing a 50-year order against him.
Throughout his campaigns, White has raised controversy with his history of antisemitic remarks, civil judgments for unpaid child support and a campaign finance complaint.
The 35-year-old ran against Sen. Amy Klobuchar in 2024 as a Republican, falling 16 points short but still coming closer than any Republican candidate ever has to Klobuchar in her Senate runs. He’s also previously run for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District seat, held by Rep. Ilhan Omar, and is again running for Senate in 2026, seeking to replace retiring Sen. Tina Smith.
Reaction
Alex Plechash, the chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party, called for White to suspend his campaign.
“The recent reports involving U.S. Senate candidate Royce White and a no-contact order issued by Hennepin County Courts are deeply troubling.
“While the Republican Party of Minnesota cannot force any candidate out of a race, we are not going to pretend this is acceptable. Candidates seeking public office must demonstrate sound judgment, behavioral discipline, and respect for the law. These reports raise serious questions about all three.
“Mr. White should immediately suspend his campaign, address the personal and legal matters before him, and stop putting Republican voters and activists in the position of defending the indefensible.
“The path forward is clear: he should step aside.”
Courtesy of KTSP
