US Republican Asa Hutchinson is running as his party’s presidential candidate for the next election in November 2024. The former governor of the state of Arkansas announced his presidential bid in an interview with ABC television broadcast on Sunday. He offers an alternative to ex-President Donald Trump, who announced several months ago that he would run again in the coming elections. “I don’t think he should be our country’s next leader,” Hutchinson said, referring to Trump. “I believe people want leaders who speak to the best in America, not just our worst instincts.”
The 72-year-old left office in January after eight years as governor of Arkansas – the term of office is limited. Previously, he had sat in the House of Representatives, among other things. Hutchinson announced he would formally announce his application later in April at a gig in his native Bentonville, Arkansas.
Hutchinson called on Trump (76) to withdraw from the presidential race in light of the charges in New York. The litigation is a distraction and Trump should focus on that rather than pursuing his presidential bid, Hutchinson said. “But at the same time, we know he won’t do it. And there’s no constitutional requirement that would force him to do it.”
Trump is the first ex-president in US history to face criminal charges. The district attorney’s office in Manhattan announced charges against him on Thursday. The case is about hush money payments to a porn actress, which could conflict with campaign financing rules.
In addition to Trump and now Hutchinson, former American UN ambassador Nikki Haley (51) and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy (37) have also thrown their hats into the ring of presidential candidates among the Republicans. Many more are likely to follow. According to surveys, the most promising candidate besides Trump is currently the governor of Florida, 44-year-old Ron DeSantis. It is expected that he will also compete. Other possible contenders include Trump’s former deputy, ex-US Vice President Mike Pence, and former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
