A self-proclaimed pro-white candidate, who was once made an honorary member of the Ku Klux Klan, has filed to run for governor in the state of Missouri. The candidate, Daryl Leon McClanahan III, has described himself as a pro-white man in a 2022 lawsuit against the ADL. He was provided an honorary one-year membership to the Klan by the group's state coordinator but claims he is not and has never been a member of the KKK.
McClanahan denies attending a 2019 private religious Christian identity cross-lighting ceremony, which was falsely described as a cross-burning in an ADL article. The Missouri Republican Party has taken action in response to his candidacy, stating that his affiliation with the Ku Klux Klan contradicts the party's values and platform. They are working to have him removed from the ballot as a Republican candidate and condemn any association with hate groups.
McClanahan, however, asserts that he filed legally and lawfully and challenges the GOP to file a civil complaint to remove him from the ballot. He maintains that he is not a member of the Ku Klux Klan.
The controversy surrounding McClanahan's candidacy has raised questions about his alignment with the Republican Party. Critics point to a picture of him doing a Nazi salute alongside a hooded man in Klan robes and his campaign website's promise to oppose the 'woke agenda.'
Former Missouri State Representative Shemad Doggan, who brought attention to McClanahan's background, expressed concern over individuals with such views finding a place within the Republican Party. He emphasized the need for the party to decide between outreach to minority voters or tolerating extremist ideologies.
Despite the party's condemnation of McClanahan's views and efforts to remove him from the ballot, questions remain about the inclusivity and values of the Republican Party in Missouri. The incident underscores the ongoing debate within the party about addressing extremist elements and maintaining a diverse and inclusive political platform.
