WATCH: Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson announces presidential campaign

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KAIT/KARK) - Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson is making a run for the White House.

During a rally in his hometown of Bentonville on Wednesday, April 26, Hutchinson formally announced his presidential bid.

Two days before his announcement, Hutchinson sat down with our content partner KARK-TV in Little Rock to discuss his decision to run.

Following former President Donald Trump and now President Joe Biden’s terms, Hutchinson said he is what the U.S. needs right now.

The Republican race will be highly contested, and Hutchinson supporter Moses Franklin said he knows it will be a close race.

“I should see him on the ballot. I hope I see him on the ballot. I think he’s got a fighting chance. There’s a lot of people running too that is going to be a thorn in his side in the campaign,” said Franklin.

Wilma Donley attended Wednesday’s announcement.

She said after hearing Donald Trump entered his name, she knew who she wanted to win the Republican nomination.

“After seeing that Donald Trump was planning on running again, I knew that he needed to run. He will keep the campaigning decent.”

The former governor believes he has a lot to do with Arkansas becoming the red state it is today and hopes that resonates with Republican voters.

“My experience as governor of Arkansas for eight years balancing the budget, lowering taxes, creating a surplus, advancing education, these are credentials for the next president,” said Hutchinson.

Hutchinson said his biggest hurdle right now is name recognition.

He’s traveled out-of-state to places like Iowa, South Carolina, and New Hampshire.

The former governor went after President Biden in his speech on Wednesday.

Watch the event from start-to-finish here:

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