Jul 11, 2024 - News

Gov. Cox won't vote for Trump

Kim Bojórquez

Photo illustration of Utah Governor Spencer Cox with lines radiating from him. — Photo Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photo: Office of Governor Spencer J. Cox

Republican Gov. Spencer Cox will not vote for former President Donald Trump in November, he told CNN, saying his concerns include how the Jan. 6 Capitol riot unfolded.

What he's saying: "I want my party to win," he said on "The Source with Kaitlan Collins" Wednesday night. "They chose a candidate this time around that was not my first choice, wasn't my choice last time either, but the party has spoken."

Cox said he plans to write in a candidate.

Between the lines: Cox hasn't voted for a major presidential candidate since Sen. Mitt Romney's 2012 run.

The big picture: Cox's profile as a moderate Republican has risen nationally since he was named chair of the National Governors Association last July, where he launched a campaign to reduce partisan polarization.

The "Disagree Better" initiative has been lambasted by far-right conservatives and liberals alike.

Zoom out: Utah GOP voters demonstrated less-than-enthusiastic support for Trump in 2016 and 2020. Many Latter-day Saints voters have been turned off by his brashness and conduct.

Catch up quick: Cox last month defeated his GOP primary challenger, state Rep. Phil Lyman, of Blanding, 54.4% v. 45.6%.

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Gov. Cox won't vote for Trump

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