NEW ORLEANS -- Former KKK leader and Louisiana State Representative David Duke announced Friday that he will run for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by David Vitter.
Duke will join a crowded field of more than 20 qualifiers.
There had been speculation that Duke would run for a U.S. Congressional seat.
"I'm overjoyed to see Donald Trump, and most Americans embrace most of the issues I've championed for years... I've always said equal rights for all, special interests for none," Duke said in his campaign announcement.
Duke officially qualified for the race just before noon on July 22. He is running as a republican, but the Louisiana GOP has condemned his campaign, calling him a "hate-filled fraud."
"The Republican Party opposes, in the strongest possible terms, David Duke's candidacy for any public office," the LAGOP's statement read. "David Duke is a convicted felon and a hate-filled fraud who does not embody the values of the Republican Party. The Party of Lincoln and Reagan is on that recognizes the inherent value of every human life, regardless of age, religion or race. David Duke's history of hate marks a dark stain on Louisiana's past and has no place in our current conversation. The Republican Party of Louisiana will play an active role inopposingg David Duke's candidacy."
"There are 24 candidates, but I have the most name recognition by far," David Duke says as he walks in to file. pic.twitter.com/5Wqg6KsPCO
— Bryn Stole (@BrynStole) July 22, 2016
David Duke walking in now to register. pic.twitter.com/cf6Wx7ZimR
— Bryn Stole (@BrynStole) July 22, 2016