Republicans in Utah may be ready for the party to move on from former President Donald Trump.
On Monday, 86 elected officials in Utah signed a letter asking Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to open a commission of inquiry to consider running for president in the 2024 election. The Republican Party’s disappointing results nationwide in the midterm elections came after some pundits blamed Trump for the party’s pro-Trump condemnation.
Trump plans to announce 2024 bids as early as Tuesday night this month, saying a “big” announcement is planned.
“Our country is at a crossroads,” Utah Senators Dan McKay, Todd Wyler and Mike McKell said in a joint statement. “We recognize the need for a strong leader, someone with a proven track record, a strong conservative base, and an understanding of how state government operates, to lead and direct our nation. , we need a leader to unify. Ron DeSantis has served his country and state well, and has successfully weathered the many challenges Florida faced during his first term.”
Even before the midterm elections, DeSantis has been seen as Trump’s most likely challenger. His overwhelming reelection victory last week only increased demand for him to take the reins of the party.
“DeSantis is the Republican QB now. Trump lost big,” said Wyler of R-Woods Cross. Tweet Wednesday morning. He went on to say, “Even though Trump lost, Republicans far exceeded expectations in the 2020 Congress.”
On Thursday he tweeted, “As the dust starts to settle in the midterms, one thing is clear: Republicans have an abusive relationship with Donald Trump. All the signs are there. Intervention is needed.” .”
As chaos begins to subside in the midterm elections, one thing is clear. That is, Republicans have an abusive relationship with Donald Trump. All the signs are there. Intervention is required.
— Todd Wyler (@gopTODD) November 10, 2022
“2024 is an opportunity for the Republican Party to reorganize and go in a new direction,” said R-Spanish Fork’s McKell. twitter on monday. “I hope Ron DeSantis runs and other Republicans have a clear vision for the future.”
As of Monday afternoon, about 100 Utah elected officials had signed the letter, including Senate Majority Leader Evan Vickers (R-Cedar City) and House Majority Leader Mike Schultz (R-Hooper). did. State Comptroller John Dougall signed it, along with several mayors and county officials.
