Ohio Gov. John Kasich on Wednesday hinted if he runs for president it won’t likely be as a Republican, saying he can’t defeat President Donald Trump in a primary.
“I think right now, today, inside the Republican Party, I can’t beat him in a primary,” Kasich said, according to Cleveland.com reporter Jeremy Pelzer.
Related: President Trump issues challenge to possible primary opponents
During an event at the Columbus Metropolitan Club, the outgoing governor and 2016 presidential candidate did mention the possibility of running as an independent candidate, but said he doesn’t have to run for president to make a difference.
“I don’t have to be a candidate to have a voice,” Kasich said.
Kasich said he’s not likely to run in the Republican primary again because “I don’t get into things that I don’t think I can win.”
Kasich will step down as governor next month. Republican Gov.-Elect Mike DeWine will take office Jan. 14.
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You can read more coverage of Gov. Kasich’s comments today from Jeremy Pelzer at Cleveland.com
