Former KKK Leader David Duke Is Running for Senate: "I Believe in Equal Rights for All"

David Duke, a former KKK leader and vocal Donald Trump supporter, announced on Friday that he's running for U.S. Senate.

Image via David Duke

Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as the "most recognizable figure of the American radical right," has announced his intentions to run for U.S. Senate. Duke tweeted out an announcement video Friday, informing his followers that he had formally kicked off his candidacy for something called "the Untied States Senate."

"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

"I believe in equal rights for all and respect for all Americans," Duke said in his announcement video. "However, what makes me different is that I also demand respect for the rights and the heritage of European Americans." Duke, who's been vocally supportive of Donald Trump's campaign over the past year, then credited the GOP nominee for inspiring his Senate bid.

"I'm overjoyed to see Donald Trump and most Americans embrace most of the issues I've championed for years," Duke said. "Real revolution is coming in the United States of America for the real people, the vast majority of the American people."

The former KKK leader said he likes his chances because he has the most name recognition. 

Duke, predictably, was also a big fan of Trump's RNC acceptance speech:

And, hey, while we're at it we might as well mention some of Duke's other recent tweets too:

Duke, who is running for the open seat set to be vacated by Republican Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana, made headlines last year after urging his followers to vote Trump as a "strategic action" to protect what he calls European American heritage. "Voting against Donald Trump at this point is really treason to your heritage," Duke told his David Duke Radio Program listeners in February.

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