ST PAUL, Minn. — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above originally aired in January 2024.
Republican-endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Royce White is set to face a primary challenge this summer.
Navy veteran and banker Joe Fraser confirmed on X that he plans to run in the GOP U.S. Senate primary in August.
"Minnesotans deserve a REAL CHOICE against (Sen. Amy Klobuchar) this fall. If (Minnesota GOP) won't give them one, I will," Fraser posted.
Fraser lost the Republican endorsement to former NBA player, podcaster and activist Royce White at the Minnesota GOP convention earlier this month. However, in a statement to MPR News, Fraser said allegations surrounding White's past and previous statements have prompted him to press ahead with a primary challenge.
“When fewer than half of the elected delegates show up to the convention and signal their support for a candidate with a history of questionable conduct and serious charges leveled against him, it was no longer a question about party endorsement, but about the choice we, as a party, are offering Minnesotans who are desperately seeking new leadership,” Fraser wrote in the statement.
White responded to Fraser almost immediately on X, appearing to welcome the challenge by writing, "Setup the debate."
The winner of the Aug. 13 primary is expected to face off against Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term in the U.S. Senate. Early voting for the primary begins June 28.
RELATED: Navy veteran to challenge Klobuchar
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