Sarah Sanders Officially Announces Bid for Arkansas Gov. & Her Dad, Former Gov. Mike Huckabee, Offers Support

We reported yesterday that former President Trump’s one time White House press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders was expected to announce a run for Governor in her home state of Arkansas today according to multiple sources.

This morning, Sanders made that announcement in a nearly eight-minute long video, where she would replace current GOP Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who is barred by term limits from running for reelection next year, and said that “America is great because we are free.”

Her dad and former governor of the state, Mike Huckabee, offered his support to her run. “A truly remarkable lady just announced she’s running for my old job,” he said.

Huckabee pointed out that “It comes with the same gov’t housing she grew up in.” He encouraged his supporters to “Watch the video” and “Support her w/ prayer & contributions! GIddy up!”

A truly remarkable lady just announced she's running for my old job. It comes with the same gov't housing she grew up in. Watch the video. Support her w/ prayer & contributions! GIddy up!https://t.co/S2uDUM9QFf

— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) January 25, 2021

In a follow up tweet, the former governor added, “Today @SarahHuckabee just announced she’s running to be 1st woman Governor of AR. But it’s not about her gender, but a lifetime of preparation. She’s smart & compassionate, but fearless for what’s right.”

Today @SarahHuckabee just announced she's running to be 1st woman Governor of AR. But it's not about her gender, but a lifetime of preparation. She's smart & compassionate, but fearless for what's right. Join the fight! Contribute now! https://t.co/ccQUVFVKf9

— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) January 25, 2021

The video begins with a story about how she and former President Trump visited the troops in Iraq during the beginning of her role in the White House and she was overwhelmed by their spirit.

Sanders vowed that “As governor, I will defend your right to be free of socialism and tyranny. Our state needs a leader with the courage to do what’s right, not what’s politically correct or convenient.”

“With your support, I hope to be the first woman to lead our state as governor,” she continued, and in a tweet where she shared the video, she simply said, “I’m in.”

Sanders concluded the video with the same fire that won her support while serving as the Press Secretary as she said, “I will not retreat, I will not surrender, and I will not bow down to the radical left, not now, not ever.”

I'm in —> https://t.co/8bmfl3ZPgp

Watch ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/khDPEk0orU

— Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) January 25, 2021

Sanders joins a crowded Republican primary field that already includes two statewide elected officials, Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin, who announced in August of 2019, and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, who announced last July.

Sanders joined the Fox News Channel as a paid, on-air contributor in September 2019 and they reported that on Sunday, her contributor agreement with the network has been terminated.