PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 26, 2024

Phil Lyman Responds to Misleading Media Coverage Surrounding Richard Lyman Withdrawal

SALT LAKE CITY — Republican convention nominee and write-in candidate for governor Phil Lyman has responded to misleading media coverage surrounding Richard and Carol Lyman’s withdrawal from the same governor’s race. Richard Lyman and running mate Carol Lyman entered the 2024 Utah governor’s race on September 3rd, filing just moments before the deadline. The Cox campaign immediately faced allegations that they had manipulated the pair into running in exchange for $1,000 and steak dinner, based on the testimony of a co-worker of Richard Lyman.  Phil Lyman filed a lawsuit against Richard and Carol Lyman on October 16th, which resulted in Richard and Carol agreeing to withdraw from the race by 5pm on October 25th. The proposed stipulation included that any votes for “Lyman” would be tallied for Phil Lyman.

The media coverage from this story has greatly contributed to the name confusion spectacle that began when Richard and Carol Lyman entered the race under questionable circumstances. While most headlines stated that it was Richard Lyman and his running mate who withdrew, news outlets universally led with photos of Phil Lyman.

“We have been bombarded with texts, messages, and emails asking if we are withdrawing,” Phil Lyman said. “I want to be very clear — we — Phil Lyman and Natalie Clawson — have not, and will not, withdraw. We have a governor’s race to win. We respect Richard and Carol’s decision to withdraw and believe it is a positive development that will help simplify the counting of write-in ballots on November 5th. We are disappointed, but not surprised, that the media would take advantage of an opportunity to cause further confusion surrounding the Lyman name drama. As usual, their interest is not in informing the public but in pushing an agenda that is not in the best interests of the people of Utah.”

The Phil Lyman campaign still encourages voters to write his first and last name on the write-in line, as recommended on the ballot itself.

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