Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wins reelection bid

Gov. Spencer Cox (R) has won Utah's gubernatorial race over state Rep. Brian King (D), according to a projection from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ.

The incumbent's general election victory follows a narrow win in the GOP primary earlier this year, in which he secured the nomination without an endorsement from the Utah Republican Party. His challenger at the time, Phil Lyman, received that support instead.

The governor, who has been considered too moderate by some in the party, was booed during his remarks at the state's GOP convention. Political experts have suggested party representatives in the Beehive State select their candidates largely based off 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, earlier this year, said he would not cast his vote for the former president, arguing that both parties would be making a "huge mistake" by paving a path for a rematch between Trump and President Biden. But, just days before Biden withdrew from the race, the governor seemingly reversed his stance and endorsed the GOP presidential nominee.

He also came under scrutiny earlier this year for using photos of Trump at a wreath-laying ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery as part of a campaign email. According to federal law, campaign or election-related activities are prohibited within the cemetery.

Cox was first elected to succeed former Gov. Gary Herbert (R) in 2020, winning more than 60 percent of the vote over his Democratic challenger.

He previously served as lieutenant governor and as a state lawmaker.

The reliably red state remained so Tuesday, also delivering decisive victories for former President Trump, Republican John Curtis in the Senate race to replace retiring Sen. Mitt Romney (R), and the GOP candidate in all four of its House races.