Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.Photo: Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty
Asa Hutchinsonhas confirmed hisplans to run for presidentin 2024.
The former Republican governor of Arkansas, 72, said he “wanted to make it clear” that he’s running, as he discussed his decision while appearing Sunday on ABC News’This Week with George Stephanopoulos.
“I have made a decision. And my decision is, I’m going to run for president of the United States,” Hutchinson told co-anchor Jonathan Karl, confirming that he’s running ahead of a formal announcement later this month in his hometown of Bentonville, Ark.
He continued: “The reason, as I’ve traveled the country for six months — I hear people talk about the leadership of our country, and I’m convinced that people want leaders that appeal to the best of America, and not simply appeal to our worst instincts.”
“And that inspires me when I see everyday Americans just saying, ‘Give us good leadership, give us common sense, consistent conservatism and optimism about our great country,'” added Hutchinson. “That inspires me, and I believe I can be that kind of leader for the people of America.”
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty
Although hesigned a near-total abortion baninto law in 2021, Hutchinson has been known to straddle the line on several hot-button partisan issues.
Hutchinsonvetoed a billthat year, which he called a “vast government overreach” as it would deny gender-affirming care to transgender minors, although the state’s General Assemblyvoted to overturn his veto.
He previously credited his son Seth for convincing him not to sign a 2015 religious freedom bill into law that would let businesses discriminate against gay couples. Hutchinson also expressed hisregret over banning mask mandatesin 2021 amid theCOVID-19pandemic.
Hutchinson has also been outspoken against his GOP opponent and former PresidentDonald Trump,changing his stance on backingthe twice-impeached leader’s bid for reelection in February 2021, one month after Trump’s supporters’Jan. 6 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol.
The politician has since called Trump, 76, “politically and morally responsible” for the events of that day. And although Trumpannounced his candidacyin November, his future in the race is up in the air after hewas indicted on roughly 30 countslast week over an alleged hush money payment he made to adult film starStormy Danielsin 2016.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“Well, that adds to the unpredictability of it,” said Hutchinson on ABC News. “And I think it’s a sad day for America that we have a former president that’s indicted.”
“It’s a great distraction, but at the same time, we can’t set aside what our constitution requires, which is electing a new leader for our country, just because we have this side controversy and criminal charges that are pending,” he added.
source: people.com
