Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Trent Staggs, a Republican mayor seeking to replace retiring Republican Sen. Mitt Romney in the Utah GOP primary race for the Senate. Trump praised Staggs as a supporter of the “MAGA” agenda and highlighted his experience as an entrepreneur and mayor of Riverton. Staggs is running on a platform that includes creating jobs, stopping inflation, growing the economy, securing the border, unleashing American energy, supporting the military and veterans, and protecting the Second Amendment.
Staggs entered the race in May 2021, prior to Romney’s announcement that he would not seek a second term in the Senate. Staggs has stated that he is motivated by concerns for the future his children will inherit and a desire to push back against government overspending. He emphasized the need for change in Washington and expressed his intention to prioritize making a difference over making friends in the Senate. Staggs has received endorsements from prominent Republicans such as Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, among others.
Romney, who won the GOP nomination for president in 2012, announced in September that he would not seek reelection to the Senate. In his statement, Romney emphasized the need for a new generation of leaders to shape the future. Staggs has positioned himself as a challenger to the establishment and has gained support from the Utah Fraternal Order of Police, who praised his longstanding support for law enforcement. The state GOP convention, which took place on Saturday, featured nearly a dozen Republicans vying for the nomination, with the winner potentially gaining an advantage in the race.
Staggs has been a vocal opponent of mask mandates during the coronavirus pandemic, gaining attention for his stance on the issue. Trump’s endorsement of Staggs aligns with his continued efforts to influence Republican primaries and support candidates who share his political agenda. The race in Utah is expected to reveal the brand of political conservatism that appeals to modern voters in the state. Ultimately, Republican voters in Utah will have the final say in selecting the party’s candidate to succeed Romney in the Senate.
