Primary Election ballots being counted

The first count of ballots from the statewide Republican primary for governor shows Lieutenant Governor Spencer Cox with a narrow lead over former Governor Jon Huntsman. 

Cox said last night that he felt good about his chances with voters, though he knows final results won't be known for some time.

Due to new election rules established because of the COVID-19 pandemic, ballots received yesterday are being quarantined until they can be safely counted, meaning a winner may not be named for several days.  Cox had nearly 37-percent of the vote in last night's first returns, while Huntsman had just over 34-percent. 

Former Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes trailed with nearly 21-percent, followed by businessman Thomas Wright with eight-percent.

Former Governor John Huntsman was optimistic about his chances to win the nomination last night.