Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson is challenging Trump in the 2024 White House race | outside

Hutchinson will compete against former President Donald Trump, who announced his candidacy a few months ago. “I don’t think he should be the next leader of our country,” Hutchinson said, referring to Trump. “I believe strongly that people want leaders who bring out the best in America, not just our worst instincts.”

The 72-year-old resigned in January after eight years as governor of Arkansas because his term had expired. Before that, he was a member of the House of Representatives. Hutchinson announced that he would formally announce his candidacy later in April at a speech in Bentonville, Arkansas, where he is from.

Hutchinson called on Trump, 76, to withdraw from the presidential race in light of the indictment issued by New York. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced the charges against the Republican Thursday night. The case relates to hush money payments to pornographic actress Stormy Daniels. May violate campaign finance rules.

Along with Trump and now Hutchinson, former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, 51, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, 37, have so far thrown their hats as presidential candidates. Many more are likely to follow. According to opinion polls, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, 44, is considered the most promising candidate after Trump. He is also expected to run for office. Other potential candidates include former Trump Vice President Mike Pence and former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.