Willie Burton is considering a Senate run in Minnesota. He reportedly lives in Michigan.
A report from the Minnesota Star Tribune says that former NBA player Willie Burton is considering a U.S. Senate run in Minnesota in 2026, despite listing his address in Michigan.
A report from the Minnesota Star Tribune says that former NBA player Willie Burton is considering a U.S. Senate run in Minnesota in 2026, despite listing his address in Michigan.
Burton, a PhD candidate and assistant instructor at the University of Minnesota, told the Tribune’s Ryan Faircloth that his centrist policies could make him a rare Republican candidate to win in Minnesota. A Republican has not won statewide office in the Minnesota since 2006, when incumbent Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) won reelection.
“This is what makes me a threat,” Burton told the Tribune. “I have the ability to touch those populations … Unlike any other candidate before, I have the ability to get those votes.”
Burton also indicated that he has been in contact with the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and the White House, but he has yet to decide whether he wants to fully commit to public office after combined eight years in the NBA (1990-99) and a total of 14 years as a professional basketball player. He previously played college basketball in the 1980s for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Burton’s would-be primary opponent Royce White, who convincingly lost to Sen. Amy Klobuchar (DFL) last November, has already attacked Burton for living in Michigan.
“My friend Willie Burton doesn’t even live in Minnesota, he lives in Michigan,” White said in an X post on July 19.
I’m hearing Tom Emmer is now encouraging my family friend Willie Burton to run against me in the U.S. Senate race. Minnesota, you want to know why you live under communist rule? 2 words… Tom Emmer! He’s a carpetbagger.
He knew Nikki Haley neocon Adam Schwarze had no shot. Now… pic.twitter.com/vtmb8ub9Fd
— Royce White (@Highway_30) July 20, 2025
Burton lists Bloomfield Hills, Mich. as his residence on his LinkedIn profile, and he was in consideration to be former Michigan gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon’s running mate in 2022.
Burton did not respond to a request for comment.
White and retired NAVY SEAL Adam Schwarze are the declared candidates on the Republican side in the race. White has been involved in numerous controversies since running for office in the last two political cycles, including saying the “bad guys” won World War II and possibly spending campaign funds at a strip club. Schwarze stirred controversy last month when he was recorded saying women on birth control are making society weaker.
Republicans are seeking to flip Sen. Tina Smith’s (DFL) seat in 2026. Smith was first appointed to the seat in 2018 after former Sen. Al Franken (DFL) stepped down amid multiple sexual misconduct scandals, and she was elected to a full term in 2020. In February, Smith, who turned 67 in March, announced that she would not seek another term in office due to her desire to spend more time with her family. Smith has spent over 20 years in the political arena, starting as the chief of staff for former Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak in 2006.
U.S. Rep. Angie Craig (DFL) and Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan (DFL) are the declared Democratic candidates vying for Smith’s seat.
