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SALT LAKE CITY — The Chris Peterson campaign announced Friday that Peterson has received the endorsement of presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden in his run for Utah governor.
The endorsement comes just days before Election Day, but it may not move the needle much in a race where Peterson has consistently trailed in the polls by a wide margin. The Democratic candidate is running against Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, who had a 24-point lead over Peterson in a Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll released Oct. 19.
In a statement from the Peterson campaign, Biden said the University of Utah law professor would "stand up for working people."
"As governor of Utah, Chris Peterson will help our country heal and make a positive difference in the daily lives of Utahns," Biden said. "I'm proud of his track record of fighting for consumer protections and access to health care. I stand with Chris and thank him for his service."
Peterson said he was "honored" to have Biden's backing. "He has served our nation for decades with fortitude, humility, and resolve. But, whoever wins the presidential election, I will respect voters' decision, form a productive relationship with the White House, and work tirelessly to protect the interests of my fellow Utahns."
Karina Brown, Peterson's pick for lieutenant governor, said in the statement that the endorsement "is another step forward in building relationships outside of Utah."
"It's important to work together at the national level with elected officials," she said.
The Republican Cox has received no such public endorsement from President Donald Trump; Cox has publicly criticized the president in the past but said this year that he will support Trump's reelection.
Cox and Peterson released a joint advertisement last week calling for civility and a peaceful transition of power this election season.
