Former Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson (R) announced Sunday that he is running for President in 2024.
“I am going to be running. And 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,” Hutchinson said during a pre-taped interview broadcast Sunday on ABC’s This Week. “I believe I can be that kind of leader for the people of America.”
Hutchinson is joining a race for the GOP Nomination that already includes former President Trump, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Gov. Ron Desantis of Florida is also widely expected to run for the party’s nomination.
The former Arkansas Governor’s announcement comes just days before Trump is set to be arraigned Tuesday on reportedly more than 30 charges related to business fraud. Trump was indicted Thursday by a Manhattan grand jury for his role in hush money payments ahead of the 2016 Presidential election to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, who has said she had an affair with Trump.
In his interview with ABC, Hutchinson said he believes Trump should drop out of the race since he’s been indicted.
“I’ve always said that people don’t have to step aside from public office if they’re under investigation, but if it reaches the point of criminal charges that have to be answered, the office is always more important than a person,” said Hutchinson, adding, “And I do believe if we’re looking at the presidency and the future of our country, then we don’t need that distraction.”
As opposed to some other Republicans, Hutchinson did not criticize the indictment as purely political.
“[T]he grand jury found probable cause, and that’s the standard for any criminal charges in our society,” said Hutchinson.
