At the Utah GOP’s nominating convention on Saturday, a state lawmaker aligned with former President Donald Trump garnered a higher vote share than the incumbent Republican governor.
During the second round of voting, Governor Spencer Cox secured 32.46% of the delegates’ vote, while Representative Phil Lyman received 67.54%, according to state delegate Aaron Bullen, who shared the results with the Daily Caller. Lyman’s support for Trump is evident from various posts on his social media platforms.
Despite Cox gathering enough signatures to qualify for the primary ballot as per Utah Republican Party bylaws and state law, Lyman emerged victorious at the convention. Cox obtained 28,006 certified signatures, meeting the requirements set forth by Utah’s gubernatorial candidacy rules.
Lyman’s ties with former President Trump include a pardon granted in December 2020. He had previously faced legal consequences for organizing an ATV protest in Recapture Canyon in 2014, challenging federal management of Utah’s public lands, resulting in a conviction for trespassing, as reported by KUTV. Following his conviction, Lyman served a 10-day jail sentence, received three years of probation, and was ordered to pay $96,000 in restitution.
Reports from Fox 13 News suggest that Cox was met with boos upon his arrival at the convention stage, while Lyman received enthusiastic cheers and applause.
In his speech, Cox addressed the audience amid the boos, highlighting his achievements during his first term as governor, including significant tax cuts, pro-life legislation, and legal action against the Biden administration. He also speculated on potential reasons for the delegates’ dissatisfaction, suggesting it could stem from his refusal to harbor enough animosity.
Lyman, in contrast, referenced his past conviction in his speech, drawing parallels between his experience and the hardships faced during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Despite attempts to reach out to both Lyman and Cox campaigns, neither responded before the publication of this report.
