May 11, 2026 - News

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox swears he's not running for president

Kim Bojórquez

Two men in suits sit on a panel; the right speaks into a microphone, the left listens. Bright yellow backdrop with logos and a plant visible on the left. — Atlantic reporter McKay Coppins (left) and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. Courtesy: Scott G Winterton/Deseret News

As questions swirl around Utah Gov. Spencer Cox's next move, he wants everyone to know he's not eyeing the White House. Really.

State of play: Cox on Monday repeatedly shut down questions — and wisecracks — from the Atlantic's McKay Coppins about a potential presidential run ahead of the release of his book on depolarizing American politics.

"I'm obviously not running for president," Cox said at the "Atlantic Across America" event with the Deseret News in downtown Salt Lake City, adding that he says as much in the first line of his upcoming book.
The governor, who was reelected in 2024, has said he doesn't plan to seek a third term, fueling speculation about a possible path to higher office.

The big picture: Cox's national profile rose after the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University as he called on Americans to tone down divisive political rhetoric.

What we're watching: His book, "Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt," comes out Sept. 8.

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Utah Gov. Spencer Cox swears he's not running for president

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