Gov. Spencer Cox (R) is projected to win Utah's gubernatorial race against state Rep. Brian King (D), according to The Hill/Decision Desk headquarters.
His victory comes after the incumbent narrowly won the Republican primary earlier this year without receiving support from the Utah Republican Party. The challenger at the time, Phil Lyman, received that support instead.
The governor, considered too moderate by some in his party, was booed during his remarks at the state's Republican convention. Political experts suggest that party representatives in the Beehive state are choosing candidates primarily based on 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 said earlier this year that he would not vote for the former president, arguing that both parties would make a “big mistake” by paving the way for a rematch between Trump and President Biden. But just days before Biden withdrew from the race, the governor appeared to reverse his stance and support the Republican presidential candidate.
He also came under fire earlier this year for using a photo of Trump at a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery as part of a campaign email. According to federal law, campaigning or election-related activities are prohibited inside cemeteries.
Cox was first elected in 2020 to replace former Gov. Gary Herbert (Republican), receiving more than 60% of the vote over his Democratic challenger.
He previously served as lieutenant governor and state legislator.
