JON HUNTSMAN SR.

FILE - In this April 4, 2020, file photo, is The Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City. The federal lawsuit, filed Monday, March 22, 2021, asserts that the church spent members donations that were solicited for charity on commercial purposes. The federal lawsuit, filed Monday, asserts that the church spent members’ donations that were solicited for charity on commercial purposes. Ad“This is not a case about faith; it is a case about fraud and corporate greed,” the lawsuit said. The practice, which is used in other faith groups, isn’t required for church members but is strongly encouraged.

Jon Huntsman, Jr., speaks during the Utah Gubernatorial Republican Primary Debate in Salt Lake City. Huntsman Jr. has one of the most recognizable names in the state as a former popular governor and son of a billionaire philanthropist. (Ivy Ceballo/Deseret News, via AP, Pool)SALT LAKE CITY Republican Utah gubernatorial candidate and former ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr. said Wednesday he has tested positive for COVID-19. Huntsman previously served as Utah governor until 2009, when he left to be the U.S. ambassador to China under then-president Barack Obama. Jon Huntsman Sr. was a billionaire industrialist and philanthropist.

During an appearance in southern Utah, Huntsman responded to speculation about his unusual political pivot by saying he would serve out a full term rather than leave if offered another national job. After two years, Huntsman left Russia amid heavy speculation about a potential gubernatorial run. Republican state Sen. Todd Weiler said Huntsman is going to have to convince voters that Utah isn’t an “overlooked girlfriend” or a platform between more high-profile roles. Herbert has served as governor since Huntsman left for China but is not running again in 2020. Other Republicans who have already declared include Utah County businessman Jeff Burningham and Salt Lake County Councilwoman Aimee Winder Newton.