Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson formalizes presidential bid

State of play: Hutchinson, 72, has said previously he doesn't think Trump should be re-elected.

• Hutchinson unofficially announced his long-expected candidacy on ABC's "This Week" earlier this month and sat for an interview with Axios Northwest Arkansas, but hasn't elaborated on his campaign platform.

Catch up quick: He listed in Wednesday's speech his qualifications in politics and law enforcement, highlighting his time as administrator of the Drug Enforcement Agency and as first undersecretary for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

• Hutchinson pointed out that he led the effort to balance Arkansas' budget for the eight years he was governor, a state constitutional mandate.

Between the lines: While details are lacking, Hutchinson's platform broadly reads like a 1990's-era GOP playbook.

What he mentioned:

• Curbing federal spending to improve the economy and reduce inflation;
• Securing the country's southern border and reducing crime related to fentanyl;

• A pro-growth energy policy that's not focused on oil production limits;
• Strengthening relations with other countries and ensuring the U.S. has the most prepared military in the world;
• Reducing crime by "enforcing the rule of law" nationwide.

What he didn't mention:

• Former President Trump;
• Abortion or reproductive rights;
• Transgender issues;
• The Supreme Court;
• Race.

What he's saying: "America is a democracy's lighthouse. We must not let the light be dimmed," he said, seemingly a reference to how the country's politics are split.

• "If freedom's light goes out in the United States, then other countries will have their freedom shipwrecked on rocky shoals."

Editor's note: Axios will continue to update this story.