Editor’s note: In anticipation of the June 30 primary elections, each of the four Republican candidates for governor are making their case in the Deseret News this week. See the sidebar below to read op-eds from former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox and former Utah GOP Chairman Thomas Wright.
My upbringing is unique to that of my opponents. I was raised by a struggling single mother in a blue-collar neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Our circumstances were challenging and humble. I have faced adversity throughout my entire life. But I wouldn’t change any of it. I was taught lessons of faith, hard work and strength of will. My background has made me a strong person and provided empathy to inform my decisions.
Politicians say a lot of things. I’ve always tried to be the kind of leader who says the same things during an election that I say after the ballots have long been counted, and I never change my positions for political expediency. That’s why I always lead out with my unapologetic support for President Donald Trump. I support our president. I support his conservative agenda and the work he’s doing to uproot entrenched special interests that have governed Washington politics for far too long. I think it is important to make this point, because some of our Utah leaders have betrayed us when it comes to their support of President Trump. With me, you know what you’re going to get.
I believe in the founding documents of this nation. The recent health scare we’ve experienced does not negate the Constitution; in fact, the principles contained within it are meant to guide us in just such circumstances. Heavy-handed government shutdown orders, Communist-style snitch hotlines, tracking of our cellphones and nonnegotiable terms dictated to faith leaders are unconstitutional and unacceptable. As your governor, I can promise you that the Constitution will always apply, including in a state of an emergency.
I have a strong conservative track record, both as a member of the Utah House and as its leader for four years as speaker. Despite pressure from the governor, lieutenant governor, Senate and a coalition of media and special interest groups, I successfully defeated efforts to expand Obamacare in Utah. I have a strong record of cutting taxes, which grew the economy and led to record increases in education funding. I was proud to be able to bring together a coalition to help those in need and reform the system that was facilitating dysfunction on our downtown streets. Operation Rio Grande saved lives and improved conditions for those who live and work in the area. I have fought over many years to improve the lives of veterans in our community, and that is a fight I will never leave behind.
In this Republican primary, there is a concerted effort to have Democrats switch their affiliation to Republican for the stated purpose of defeating me in the upcoming primary. They aren’t concerned about defeating my opponents; only me. That should tell you all you need to know.
I’m a proud conservative and I’m asking for your support. Utah Republicans, please vote for the candidate that the liberals fear the most and together we can do great things for Utah.