(AURN News) — Former NBA player Willie Burton is weighing a decision that could shake up Minnesota’s political map: a Republican run for the U.S. Senate seat opening in 2026.
In an exclusive interview with AURN News, Burton said he’s giving the race serious thought.
“But one of the things for me — I believe in educating the community and informing the community about the reality of things,” Burton said. “I’m not the kind that’s going to go back and forth arguing or finger-pointing at someone. I like to deliver facts.”
A Detroit native, Burton made his name at the University of Minnesota before being drafted No. 9 overall by the Miami Heat in 1990. He spent nine seasons in the NBA, with stops in Miami, Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Antonio and Charlotte.
These days, he’s back in Minneapolis, teaching in the University of Minnesota’s School of Kinesiology and working toward a Ph.D. in Sports, Exercise and Psychology.
“My proven track record now is that I can implement programs in the community that are very successful and very impactful,” he said. “But I’m still at the stage — while I’m exploring — I have to make up my mind here soon. I’m just feeling my way around to see the type of support that I would get, and if people think I would be a good candidate.”
He’s especially focused on education and how funding decisions affect low-income families.
“My focus is literacy, because literacy enables one to change the perspective of their life,” he said.
Burton also addressed criticism from some Black voters about former President Donald Trump’s policies.
“I don’t think it’s the policies,” Burton said. “I think it’s the way that sometimes he approaches delivering the information on the policy,” he added.
“But when you look at the bottom line, more people are working, fewer people are in jail,” he said. “And that’s what I look at. And again, we don’t always agree on everything with anyone. That’s just kind of the way it works. But I look at the reality of things — we have higher paying jobs, opportunities if they don’t have a high school diploma, and more jobs than people, which reduces crime.”
Burton said he hasn’t made anything official yet — but added that he expects to make up his mind soon as he gauges public support.
