Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) is putting to rest speculation that he could seek the presidency in 2028, saying he is not running for president, vice president, or any other elected office as he promotes a new book urging people to de-escalate political disagreements.
“I’m not running for president or vice president or anything else. I’m not running for anything,” Cox said in an interview with Deseret News. “I do think that that’s important, both because it’s true I’m not, and, two, because I don’t want people to read the book through that lens.”
Cox, who rose to national prominence following the September 2025 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, has made political polarization and civility a central focus of his public profile.
In the aftermath of Kirk’s killing, Cox pleaded with people to stop “shooting each other” as a means of settling political disagreements. Cox said his book was already in the works before the shooting, but that the assassination reinforced the urgency of its message.
The book draws on Cox’s experience in government and research on political depolarization to make the case for people to “disagree better” and restore respect for political opponents.
“As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it’s time to remember what makes America strong, and leave behind the behaviors and rhetoric that threaten to destroy us,” the book’s website says.
The book, titled Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt, is set to go on sale Sept. 8.
While Cox ruled out a presidential or vice presidential campaign in 2028, he left open the possibility of serving in a future administration.
“Consider serving in a Cabinet or something if no other person is elected. I would never say no just upfront to something like that,” Cox said. “If there was an opportunity to serve and give back, I care deeply about our country. I’m not going away, but I’m not running for office, and I need a little time away from that for the very reasons that I wrote the book.”
“Politics is hard, and it’s hard on my family. I care much more about my family than I care about politics,” Cox added.
Cox’s decision comes as speculation builds over the 2028 presidential race. Several possible Democratic contenders, including Govs. Gavin Newsom (CA), Josh Shapiro (PA), and Andy Beshear (KY), have released books as they build national profiles, though when asked about a presidential campaign, each has said the focus remains on the 2026 midterm elections.
On the Republican side, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are among the names frequently discussed as possible 2028 contenders. President Donald Trump has praised both men and has described them together as a “dream team” without yet formally endorsing either for president.
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For now, Cox signaled he is stepping away from electoral politics.
“I care deeply about our country. I’m not going away, but I’m not running for office,” he said.