Former Arkansas Governor Announces Presidential Bid

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced his intention to run for president.

Hutchinson was governor from early 2015 to early 2023. He told ABC News’ Jonathan Karl that his intention is to run for office and that an official announcement will be made later in April.

Hutchinson is joining a Republican field which also includes ex-President Donald Trump and former U.S. Senator. Trump is the front-runner according to polls.

Hutchinson stated that he believes he is America’s “right candidate” and that Trump shouldn’t be our next leader during the interview with Karl.

Hutchinson stated that Trump should be dropped from the race because of the indictment against his character, but the ex-governor acknowledged that Trump won’t do so.

Hutchinson was governor from 2021 to 2021. He vetoed an act that would have prohibited the provision of gender transition measures for people under 18. However, the state legislature overruled the veto.

Hutchinson supported his decision by calling the bill “overbroad” and “extreme”, and noting that it didn’t “grandfather in young people currently receiving hormone treatment.” When this law takes effect, the law will not apply to young people who are under doctor’s care. He said, “They might look to the black marketplace for their medication or travel outside of state to get care if it is possible to afford it.” This is not the best path for them or their families to take.

Hutchinson was previously a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Arkansas. Hutchinson was the administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the under secretary for border security and transportation security at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during President George W. Bush’s tenure.