Utah Governor Candidate Phil Lyman Faces Challenge with Running Mate Residency Eligibility

Utah Governor Candidate’s Running Mate Deemed Ineligible, Sparks Controversy

Utah state Rep. Phil Lyman, a candidate for governor, faced a setback in his campaign when his running mate, Layne Bangerter, was deemed ineligible to serve as lieutenant governor due to residency requirements. The issue arose when Bangerter tried to file his application to join Lyman’s ticket, but was rejected by a filing officer at the Utah Lieutenant Governor’s Office.

Former Lieutenant Gov. Greg Bell issued an opinion stating that Bangerter did not meet the qualifications to be lieutenant governor as he had not lived in Utah for the required five continuous years before the 2024 election. Despite this ruling, Lyman’s campaign is taking the issue to court, arguing that Bangerter meets the constitutional requirements.

The controversy has sparked debate among legal experts and politicians, with some questioning the validity of Lyman’s interpretation of the residency requirements. Senator Todd Weiler, a supporter of Lyman’s opponent, Governor Spencer Cox, criticized Lyman’s decision to stick with Bangerter as his running mate, calling on him to name a qualified candidate.

Meanwhile, Cox’s Democratic challenger, Brian King, announced his running mate, Rebekah Cummings, without any issues. Cummings, a University of Utah librarian, has lived in Utah for 11 years and was confirmed as King’s running mate.

The issue of Bangerter’s eligibility has added a new dimension to the gubernatorial race in Utah, with the outcome potentially impacting the election results. As the controversy continues to unfold, voters will be watching closely to see how it affects the candidates and the overall campaign.