Gov. Spencer Cox says he still supports Utah’s caucus and convention system despite the chilly reception he received from delegates at last month’s Republican State Nominating Convention. Cox was met with boos when he took the stage and has come under fire from some in his party for suggesting those jeers were motivated by hatred.
Cox did not apologize for his comments during his semi-regular televised press conference on Thursday, but he did try to downplay them somewhat.
“I shared my thoughts in a very raw moment and tried to direct those remarks at a very small group,” Cox said Thursday during his semi-monthly televised press conference. “I think it’s important to call out that kind of behavior. I think it’s bad for our party. I think it’s bad for our country. And I think it’s bad for our state.”
Cox’s convention speech did not go over well among some rank-and-file Republicans. Salt Lake County GOP Chairman Chris Null called Cox’s remarks “disheartening,” and the Morgan County Republican Party demanded a retraction.
Despite the intra-party strife, Cox says he still supports the caucus system.
“I love the caucus/convention system. I believe in the system. I always have. I think it’s important and unique. But I understand the deep frustration of those who believe the system is no longer representative of the Republican Party,” Cox said.
Cox added that he thinks it’s “wise” for the state to have an alternative path for candidates to reach the primary ballot. Had the signature route not been available this year, Cox would have been eliminated from the race. Instead, he faces Rep. Phil Lyman in the primary election, where Cox is considered a heavy favorite.
Since narrowly winning the GOP gubernatorial primary four years ago, Cox has become the target of scorn from far-right delegates whom Cox has angered for any number of perceived sins they see as being inconsistent with conservatism and the Utah GOP.
“It’s deeply frustrating. We’ve passed some of the most conservative legislation in the country. We’re very proud of our accomplishments. But it’s less about accomplishments anymore and more about vibes, I guess,” Cox said during Thursday news conference. “The vibe is I try to listen to everyone. I try to not be the governor just to the Republican party or a wing of the Republican party, but I try to be the governor for the entire state.”
The governor said a significant source of frustration is the misinformation and conspiracy theories that have taken root among some parts of the Utah GOP. At last year’s Utah GOP convention, Cox was ambushed by a former congressional candidate who demanded answers about a far-fetched conspiracy involving the United Nations. Cox says the situation hasn’t improved.
“When you have conversations with delegates, and they present me with things that just aren’t true. I’ve been told by delegates that I’ve been taking millions, some even believe billions, of dollars from China,” he told journalists. “I’m like, can I show you my bank account? They don’t believe me because I won’t show them my ‘hidden’ bank account. These are the types of lies and conspiracy theories that are out there.”
Cox is also at odds with many delegates and other Republicans over support for Donald Trump.
Cox did not vote for Trump in 2016 and 2020 and had hoped Republicans would choose someone else as their presidential nominee. This is clearly a sore spot for Cox, who became visibly irked when asked if he planned to cast a ballot for Trump this year.
“I answered this last time. You can go back and look at the tape,” Cox said tersely.
Cox was asked whether he planned to vote for Trump during his February press conference but refused to give a definitive answer.
“I haven’t voted for a major presidential candidate for 12 years,” Cox said then. “I always write in a candidate there.”
