SALT LAKE CITY — In a campaign video, former Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes has announced Washington County Commissioner Victor Iverson as his running mate.
The video, released Tuesday, introduced Iverson and offered some criticism of state and local officials' actions in dealing with COVID-19.
"Make no mistake, this is a time for caution and responsible measures like physical distancing and increased hygiene," Hughes said on the video. "But it's also a time for a get back to work plan and not the #MeToo, knee-jerk response that's brought our state to a screeching halt. It's inaction we can't afford, sustain or support."
Added Iverson: "Every Utah job is essential. every Utah business is essential. There can be no successful public health plan that suspends our constitutional rights and causes harm to our families and business owners."
Hughes is the last Republican candidate to announce a running mate. The others in the race include:
- Lt. Governor Spencer Cox and Sen. Deidre Henderson, R-Spanish Fork
- Businessman Jeff Burningham and Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton
- Salt Lake County Councilwoman Aimee Winder-Newton and State Auditor John Dougall
- Former U.S. Ambassador and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. and Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi
- Businessman Thomas Wright and retiring Utah Congressman Rob Bishop
Developer Jan Garbett and her running mate, Dr. Joe Jarvis, sought to gather enough signatures to qualify for the June Republican primary ballot, but it was rejected. On Monday, she filed a federal lawsuit against the state to get placed on the ballot.
