Asa Hutchinson, the former Republican governor of Arkansas, is officially entering the campaign for the White House.
Hutchinson announced on Wednesday in his birthplace of Bentonville, Arkansas, that he would join the growing field of candidates challenging former President Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination.
“Today, I am announcing that I am a candidate for president of the United States,” Hutchinson told supporters. “In this campaign for president, I stand alone in terms of my experience, my record, and leadership. From Congress to the DEA to Homeland Security, I have served our country in times of crisis. As governor of Arkansas, we cut taxes and created record surpluses. We increased pay for teachers. We reduced regulations; recruited industry and the private sector grew by over 100,000 jobs. My mettle has been tested.”
“In this campaign for president, I stand alone in terms of my experience, record, and leadership,” Hutchinson said. “From Congress to DEA to Homeland Security, I have served our country in times of crisis. As governor of Arkansas, we cut taxes and created record surpluses.”
“We have learned that in times of turmoil, uncertainty, and division, America has always benefited from leaders who challenge us and give us hope,” Hutchinson continued. “I am confident that America is ready to seek new frontiers; and that we are ready to channel the restless waves of our democracy into more freedom and more prosperity for those who follow after us.”
WATCH:
🚨BREAKING: Former Arkansas GOP Asa Hutchinson announces he’s running for presidentpic.twitter.com/DHuh0vLAfc
— Patriot Alerts (@alerts___) April 26, 2023
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson resigned in January due to term limits and was succeeded by Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
Hutchinson is a vocal Republican critic of Trump and has repeatedly assailed the former president.
Trump was indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Al Bragg last month, prompting Hutchinson to suggest he withdraw from the 2024 race.
ABC News host Jon Karl asked: “You suggested recently that if Trump were to get indicted that he should drop out of the race. Do you believe that now that he’s been indicted, should he drop out?”
“Well, I do. And for a couple of reasons. I mean, first of all, the office is more important than any individual person. And so for the sake of the office of the presidency, I do think that’s too much of a sideshow and distraction, and he needs to be able to concentrate on his due process, and there is a presumption of innocence,” Hutchinson said.
WATCH:
EXCLUSIVE: Former GOP Gov. Asa Hutchinson announces during an interview with @JonKarl that he will be running for president.
“I'm convinced that people want leaders that appeal to the best of America and not simply appeal to our worst instincts.” https://t.co/DmytxAAfAL pic.twitter.com/f2lcIBQeqD
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) April 2, 2023
Last week, Trump’s campaign staff revealed some intriguing details about his potential running mate.
Trump insiders told the Daily Caller that the 45th president will likely choose a vice presidential nominee who is “loyal,” “charismatic,” and “ideologically aligned” with him.
More on this story via Conservative Brief:
“No candidates have publicly announced their intent to be Trump’s VP, but the former president has indicated that ‘a lot of people’ are ‘auditioning’ behind the scenes. Trump insiders told the Caller that although there haven’t been any formal discussions to narrow down the pool, there are a set of characteristics that will likely be considered,” the Daily Caller reported. CONTINUE READING…
