Former ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman Jr. says public service behind his decision to run for governor

Huntsman is scheduled to deliver his first speech as a candidate today, on “Utah and the World” at Southern Utah University’s Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service. “We are at an inflection point. It’s almost like the growth cycle that we’re now in will not last forever. We’re going to have to make some tough choices,” citing competition for jobs not just from surrounding states but the world.

His announcement ends speculation about his candidacy, but also brings up a question: Why would Huntsman, 59, harboring ambitions to become U.S. secretary of state, want to run for governor again?

“I have to say it’s a little bit of a mystery because, again, he’s done that. He’s been successful,” University of Utah political science professor Matthew Burbank said. “In all honesty, I’m surprised he wants to come back because it seems like he has his sights set on something bigger.”