Gov. Spencer Cox (R) is the projected winner of Utah’s gubernatorial race over state Rep. Brian King (D), according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ.
His victory comes after the incumbent narrowly won the GOP primary earlier this year, without an endorsement from the Utah Republican Party. His challenger at the time, Phil Lyman, received that support instead.
The governor, who has been considered too moderate by some in the party, was booed during his remarks at the state’s GOP convention. Political experts have suggested party representatives in the Beehive State select their candidates largely based off their support for former President Trump in the White House race.
The Utah Republican said he hasn’t voted for a major party presidential candidate since 2012.
Cox, earlier this year, said he would not cast his vote for the former president, arguing that both parties would be making a “huge mistake” by paving a path for a rematch between Trump and President Biden. But, just days before Biden withdrew from the race, the governor seemingly reversed his stance and endorsed the GOP presidential nominee.
He also came under scrutiny earlier this year for using photos of Trump at a wreath-laying ceremony in Arlington National Cemetary as part of a campaign email. According to federal law, campaign or election-related activities are prohibited within the cemetery.
Cox was first elected to succeed former Gov. Gary Herbert (R) in 2020, winning more than 60 percent of the vote over his Democratic challenger.
He previously served as lieutenant governor and as a state lawmaker.
