One of Sarah Huckabee Sanders' main Arkansas gubernatorial rivals just dropped out of the race

Arkansas Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin (R) has reportedly had his hopes set on the state's governorship for a long time, even leaving Congress to pursue that goal, and he officially declared his candidacy for the job, which is opening up in 2022, back in August. But on Monday, he announced he's bowing out and will instead seek to become Arkansas' next attorney general.

In a statement, Griffin said he believes "I can do more for Arkansas" in that capacity, but the early reactions from analysts are that Griffin likely came to the realization that his prospects of defeating former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who launched her campaign just two weeks ago, in a GOP primary were slim. The race, for the moment, is down to Sanders and Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, another prominent Republican in the state.

But the fact that Sanders' name recognition — she's both an ally of former President Donald Trump and the daughter of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) — may have proved too much even for Griffin, who reportedly has "a resume as long as your arm and a huge war chest," suggesting her path is pretty clear. Tim O'Donnell

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up