Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah defeats primary challenge, faces party frictions

On Tuesday, June 25, Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah emerged victorious in the primary election, defeating State Representative Phil Lyman, as reported by The Associated Press. Despite opposition from the right, Mr. Cox, known for his moderate stance, secured the win. His victory comes as a setback for the state Republican Party, which had endorsed Mr. Lyman.

Challenges and Frictions

During the primary campaign, Mr. Cox faced resistance from fellow G.O.P. members who criticized him for not being conservative enough. His open criticism of former President Donald J. Trump further fueled the opposition. At the state G.O.P. convention in Salt Lake City, Mr. Cox failed to secure the party’s endorsement for his re-election bid, leading to a defensive position regarding his Republican credentials.

Despite these challenges, Gov. Spencer Cox remained popular among Utahns in his first term. With his nomination secured, the likelihood of a second term is now heightened. The Republican Party has maintained control of the Utah governorship since 1985, and Cox's victory positions him strongly for re-election.