Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson spoke to by phone to discuss his thoughts on the midterm elections and the future of his political fundraising group – which has raised some questions about whether the limited-term Republican will leave the White House in the year could have their sights set on 2024
Arkansas’ Republican governor is warning GOP lawmakers against getting caught up in political “retaliation” if they retake one or both houses of Congress next year.
Speaking to by phone on Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Asa Hutchinson also said he “applauded” House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy for withdrawing threats to impeach members of the Biden administration. Such calls are widely seen as payback for the Democrats’ two impeachments against Donald Trump.
“I welcome this clarity. Republicans are taking control — it should be about addressing pressing issues Americans face, not retaliation or looking to the past,” Hutchinson said.
“Any time you dwell on the past, it’s not good for your party.”
The outgoing governor hasn’t shied away from forging a post-Trump future for the GOP built on basic conservative principles – but acknowledged he’s still “a leading figure in the Republican Party.”
He suggested to that “several candidates” could try to nominate the ex-president should he announce a 2024 bid – while remaining coy about his own ambitions.
Hutchinson, whose term in office is limited, has repeatedly urged Republicans to overcome Trump’s allegations of voter fraud in 2020.
He translated those calls to action with America Leads, a summit hosted by his political fundraising vehicle America Strong and Free on Wednesday. Its creation has led to speculation that Hutchinson could have his sights set on the White House in 2024.
His goal is “to pave the way for ideas that will solve problems for America,” he said.
Hutchinson told the Washington Post earlier this year that he was considering the option but would not announce anything until January.
He told on Wednesday that he was no closer to a decision and would rather focus on the elections in three weeks.
He commended GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (center) for dismissing calls by some party members to impeach members of the Biden administration if they win a House majority, and instead urged lawmakers to do so Working on issues that affect Americans’ daily lives and not looking to the past
When asked if a third Trump campaign would weigh on his decision, Hutchinson said, “Well, it certainly plays a role in how things play out.”
“He’s a leading figure in the Republican Party. There are other voices, but he is a leading figure. So it affects how it plays out next year,” the governor said.
“But in terms of deciding whether everyone is rallying around him as a candidate or there are other candidates out there – I have no doubt there will be multiple candidates who will be pursuing this in 2024.”
So far, Trump has led most of the early GOP voter polls about who the base wants as their 2024 nominee.
Across the aisle, Hutchinson predicted that President Joe Biden’s re-election declaration could further fuel the GOP’s interest in the race.
“Those are very low favorability ratings that he has,” he said in reference to Biden’s low job-approval numbers. “And you know, it doesn’t solve the challenges Americans face with inflation.”
He warned it was “a little too early to tell,” but added, “His candidacy would not stop any Republican from running.”
Hutchinson himself is no stranger to campaigning, having won three terms in the House of Representatives before becoming George W. Bush’s DEA chief.
Hutchinson also acknowledged that Trump is “a leading voice within the Republican Party,” but added that there are “other voices” in the room
The veteran politician said he was overall “optimistic” about the GOP’s midterm prospects — particularly in close gubernatorial races — but cautioned Republicans in close races not to be “distracted” by issues of crime and the economy.
They are two of the GOP’s strongest sticks against the Democrats this election cycle.
“With three weeks left, focus on what every family thinks about when they wake up in the morning and go to work – which is inflation, energy costs and safety on the road,” Hutchinson advised.
“That’s what the public has on their minds. And when candidates talk about these issues, they can win… But we must not allow ourselves to be distracted. You have to be focused and I think our candidates are doing that.”
But Hutchinson also warned against pushing Trump’s 2020 voter fraud allegations, which some candidates have made a crucial part of their platform this year.
“It’s one thing to talk about election security issues,” he said. “And it’s another thing to just define everything you do in terms of what happened in 2020.”
He urged Republicans in close races across the country to focus on issues like the economy and crime, both of which were top priorities for voters in November
“These are certainly issues that can be addressed in terms of election security. But not by denying the legitimacy of past elections and devoting all your time and political energy to them.’
Another issue that has weighed heavily on voters’ minds – and may have increased Democrats’ chances of avoiding a total blowout – is the overturning of the Roe v. Wade through the Supreme Court in June.
Hutchinson expected it to play an “intense” role in some of the closer races across the country.
“There is a lot of unpredictability in the election. We don’t know how definitive the turnout will be, how intense the abortion issue will be on both sides,” he said.
“We think it’s going to be very intense, but there’s a lot we don’t know. But I feel good that we will win the house, I don’t think that has changed in the last six months.’
As for his immediate next steps, Hutchinson said his America Strong and Free group will promote ideals of “principled and common sense conservatism.”
“We will take this message to key states to help influence the agenda of a Republican majority,” Hutchinson said.