In a move that was widely expected, Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox announced his 2020 candidacy for Utah Governor Tuesday morning.
In a video featuring Cox and his wife Abby he said he was running despite the “toxicity of campaigning” for the state’s highest office.
“Serving as lieutenant governor during one of the most successful periods in state history has provided me with the knowledge and experience necessary to sustain our prosperity and take full advantage of important opportunities ahead,” said Cox.
Cox’s announcement is the most high-profile so far in what is expected to be a crowded field of Republicans seeking to replace Gov. Gary Herbert, who is not seeking another term in office. Other possible candidates include former House Speaker Greg Hughes, businessmen Greg Miller and Jeff Burningham, Salt Lake County Councilwoman Aimee Winder Newton, Congressman Rob Bishop and Attorney General Sean Reyes. Former Congressman and current Fox News personality Jason Chaffetz is also said to be mulling a bid as is former Utah GOP Chairman Thomas Wright.
Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman is reportedly considering running for governor again in 2020 as well.
