Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brian King in Utah is facing an unusual election year in 2024 with the presence of conservative candidate Phil Lyman. Despite running against each other, King and Lyman find themselves on the same side against incumbent Republican Governor Spencer Cox. King’s campaign has even released an ad teaming up with Lyman to criticize Cox’s initiatives and agree that he should not be re-elected. Some Lyman supporters are even considering writing in his name instead of voting for Cox to prevent another term for the current governor.
King is capitalizing on the split in the Republican party and the dissatisfaction with single-party control in Utah, calling for a moderation of policies and bipartisanship. As a state representative and leader of the House Democratic caucus, King is familiar with challenging the Republican supermajority in the Legislature. He believes as governor, he can act as a check on extreme policies and encourage a balance of power.
Despite facing long odds in the election, King maintains a positive attitude and is embracing his underdog status, likening his campaign to Avis Car Rental’s motto of “We Try Harder.” Alongside his running mate Rebekah Cummings, King is engaging with voters and spreading a message of optimism, even in a predominantly conservative state like Utah. Election Day is approaching, and King is determined to continue swimming upstream as a Democrat in a challenging political landscape.
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