Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, stirred up debate this week after making comments that sounded more like an endorsement of a Democrat than support for his own party. During a joint interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, Cox praised Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and said he believed Shapiro would make a “good president.”
The interview aired Tuesday evening, around the same time President Donald Trump was holding an economic rally in Pennsylvania—Shapiro’s home turf. With Trump back in the White House and campaigning on economic growth and national strength, Cox’s comments stood out. Shapiro, who is not running in 2025, is widely seen as a potential frontrunner for the Democratic nomination in 2028. He is popular in his state and was even reportedly considered as a vice presidential pick by former Vice President Kamala Harris before she chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
When Bash asked Cox if he thought Shapiro would make a good president, he answered right away: “Yeah, I do.”
Cox explained his reasoning by saying that governors tend to make strong presidents because they are used to getting things done. “I think governors make the best presidents,” Cox said. “As governors, we actually have to accomplish stuff.”
He went on to compliment Shapiro’s record, especially on the economy. “I’ve been very impressed with what he’s been able to do on the economy with permitting reform, cutting regulation,” Cox said. “That sounded like red state stuff and he’s doing it and that’s impressive to me.”
Cox also pointed to the idea that Americans are “voting with their feet,” meaning people are moving to states that align with their values. He said governors learn from each other and improve policies by borrowing ideas from other states. While that message may appeal to moderates, it didn’t sit well with many Republicans.
‘Republican’ Utah Governor Spencer Cox gushes over Josh Shapiro—a likely 2028 Presidential candidate—on CNN, says he would be a good president:
“I think there are a lot of governors in this country who would make great presidents, and I think he would be one of them.”
WTF? pic.twitter.com/Ir4MYBUtUB
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) December 10, 2025
Critics on the right quickly pushed back. Some called Cox’s comments tone-deaf, especially since they aired at the same time as President Trump’s rally, which focused on bringing down inflation, improving jobs, and securing the border. Others said the interview made it even more clear that Cox is out of step with the MAGA movement and grassroots conservatives.
Fox News host Laura Ingraham didn’t hold back. “Was wondering where Mitt Romney had gone. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox sits for an endless interview on CNN to hit President Trump’s ‘tone,’ after years of Dems’ lawfare and defaming Trump as Hitler,” she said on X.
Governor Cox has long had a complicated relationship with the conservative base. In 2022, he vetoed a bill that would have banned gender reassignment surgeries for minors in Utah—a decision that drew strong criticism from many Republicans in his own state. Lawmakers later overrode his veto.
Governor Cox uses pronouns in his bio; welcomed the largest “refugee”resettlement in UT history; supports LGBTQ+ “rights;” and wants his black friend Wes Moore to be president.
Oh, and he thinks Charlie Kirk was murdered because he said “inflammatory things.” https://t.co/Dz2LVKi5Bk pic.twitter.com/sAU8JtYjYM
— Theo Wold (@RealTheoWold) September 15, 2025
Cox has also openly criticized President Trump, calling him “divisive” and admitting that he did not vote for him in 2016 or 2020. That history has caused some to question how closely aligned Cox really is with the party’s current direction.
With President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance working to carry out their agenda in Washington, many Republicans are focused on unity and pushing back against what they view as harmful policies from the previous administration. In that environment, praise for a potential 2028 Democrat—especially one viewed as a rising star in his party—was seen by some as poorly timed.
While Cox has not announced whether he will run for higher office, his latest comments will likely continue to raise questions about where he stands and whether he fits into the GOP’s future plans.
