GOP convention nominee for governor Phil Lyman and running mate Natalie Clawson have announced that they are prepared to stand as write-in candidates for the general election on November 5, 2024 if they are not placed on the ballot by the LG’s office. Phil Lyman won the April 27th Republican party convention in the gubernatorial race by 67.5% of delegate votes compared to incumbent Spencer Cox’s 32.5%. Cox allegedly gained a spot on the primary ballot by gathering signatures, but questions remain over the validity of those signatures after repeated attempts to access the names have been denied. Cox declared victory in the June 25th primary, but verification remains impossible with all elections records sealed from the public, including candidates. Lyman has also filed a petition with the Utah Supreme Court contesting the election. 

“Of course we are prepared to run as write-in candidates. Governor Cox and his administration have provided zero transparency and zero verification of the key elements of this election. Utah deserves at least some token of sincerity in verifying our election results. We will absolutely continue to fight,” Lyman said.  “Cox and Lieutenant Governor Henderson continue to obstruct access to the names that signed his nomination petition; thus we cannot verify that he legitimately qualified for the primary ballot.  Previous court decisions on SB54 strongly suggest there should never have been a Republican primary for governor after I emerged as the sole Republican Party nominee at the convention. The primary election results cannot be verified because Cox and Henderson demand that county clerks withhold basic elections records.  In the meantime, corruption runs unchecked across our state. We question not only the primary election results; we also reject the entire apparatus that allows corrupt establishment politicians to retain their power and influence year after year, without any transparency.”

“Utahns deserve better, and they deserve to have a true conservative candidate in November who will stand up for truth, not hide behind Disagree Better propaganda.  Cox created this crisis of confidence, and we will not be bullied into backing down. We will continue to stand strong for truth, and for Utah. Strong states make for a stronger United States. Utah should be that strong conservative state that empowers our neighboring states to stand up to federal overreach.  We are thrilled to continue this movement for Better Roads Ahead with a bold, conservative vision of prosperity and freedom for all Utahns.”