When Barack Obama made history as the first Black president of the United States, I never thought I’d find myself penning a piece like this nearly ten years later. In retrospect, I should have anticipated it. But, you know, idealism can cloud our judgment.
The backlash that follows racial advancement in our nation is as deeply ingrained as apple pie. The KKK emerged in the wake of the Civil War. The mass incarceration of Black men surged after the Civil Rights Act was signed into law. The entrenched system of white supremacy doesn’t take kindly to disruptions.
Fast forward to 2018, and we’re witnessing actual white supremacists campaigning for office. I’m not referring to individuals who may harbor implicit biases without realizing it. I’m talking about those who openly advocate for the superiority of the white race and deny historical atrocities like the Holocaust.
I typically keep my political commentary focused on specific issues, steering clear of individual candidates. I believe that partisan politics fuels much of the division in our country, allowing unqualified and problematic figures from both sides to gain power. However, certain issues should be non-negotiable, regardless of party affiliation. A candidate’s blatant white supremacist beliefs are one of those critical issues. Every American who opposes the idea of a government led by individuals in white hoods must be vigilant and do everything in their power to prevent such an outcome.
If you think this is far-fetched, look no further than David Duke, who secured a seat in Louisiana’s House of Representatives in 1989. Complacency is not an option.
So, keep your eyes open, folks. STAY VIGILANT.
Here’s a rundown of some white supremacist candidates currently running for office:
Alex Ransome, Montana State House of Representatives
Don’t assume we’re just targeting Republicans. Alex Ransome is running for a seat in Montana’s State House as a Democrat—though it’s a bit unclear. He has previously run as a Republican, and his website seems to suggest he wants to “unite Right-Wing Democrats with Right-Wing Republicans.” Confusing, right? Ransome has a troubling history of attempting to recruit people of color and the LGBTQ community to white supremacist groups. He claims on his site that his past actions were misconstrued and now supports LGBTQ rights, while still promoting bizarre ideas, such as declaring European Americans a protected class under the law.
Charlie Donnelly, Congressional Candidate in Pennsylvania
Warning: Charlie Donnelly believes white people are becoming a minority in America and suggests that groups like Black Lives Matter are plotting an armed revolt against the government. This paranoia is alarming for someone seeking to make laws in our country. He previously ran for mayor in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, under the white nationalist American Freedom Party and lost. After being convicted of making terrorist threats last year, it’s clear he should have no place in public office.
Gregory Peterson, Congressional Candidate in Illinois
Gregory Peterson is an overt neo-Nazi and Holocaust denier. He publicly stated, “The Holocaust is merely an international extortion racket.” Currently running unopposed in the Republican primary for Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District, Peterson’s candidacy is a stain on the political landscape, even though he is unlikely to win in this predominantly Democratic district.
Daniel Nehlen, Congressional Candidate in Wisconsin
If a former KKK leader endorses someone, that’s a huge red flag. Daniel Nehlen is running to replace House Speaker Paul Ryan and openly embraces white supremacist ideologies. When questioned about his beliefs, he avoided answering directly. Appearing on a podcast hosted by a well-known white supremacist, he lamented how “Jews control the media.” If you’re being praised by David Duke, you’re on the wrong side of history.
There are also figures like Joe Arpaio from Arizona, Lou Barletta from Pennsylvania, and others who have questionable ties to white supremacist groups or fail to denounce them outright. These individuals are either running for re-election or are still in positions of influence.
Let’s be clear: we must reject candidates with overt white supremacist beliefs. Just say no to racism in politics. Voting for a bigot because they align with your views on issues like abortion or gun rights is simply unacceptable. Speak out against this rhetoric consistently and don’t let it slide.
We’ve made too much progress to allow ourselves to regress. Not on my watch.
Summary
The alarming rise of white supremacist candidates in U.S. elections is a cause for concern. Figures like Alex Ransome, Charlie Donnelly, Gregory Peterson, and Daniel Nehlen exemplify the overt racism and extremist views that threaten our political landscape. It’s crucial for every American to remain vigilant against these candidates and reject their ideologies, regardless of political affiliation.
Keyphrase: White Supremacists Running for Office
Tags: white supremacy, politics, elections, racism, vigilance, activism, American history