Former KKK leader Duke running for Senate

Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Louisiana today. In a video posted on his website, he expressed support for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump: “I’m overjoyed to see Donald Trump and most Americans embrace most of the issues that I’ve championed for years. My slogan remains America first.” Louisiana Republicans quickly moved to distance themselves from Duke. “David Duke is a convicted felon and a hate-filled fraud who does not embody the values of the Republican Party,” Louisiana Republican Party chairman Roger Villere said. Nearly two dozen candidates have signed up to run for the Senate seat held by Republican Sen. David Vitter, who is not seeking reelection.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.