Three of the four Utah Republicans competing for the seat of retiring U.S. Senator Mitt Romney emphasized their loyalty to former President Donald Trump during a primary debate. The frontrunner, U.S. Rep. John Curtis, stood out as someone willing to challenge party leadership, while the other candidates, including Trent Staggs and Brad Wilson, aligned themselves with Trump. This race is expected to test Trump’s influence in Utah, a traditionally red state that has been hesitant to fully embrace him. Observers are curious to see if voters will choose a successor whose politics align with Romney’s moderate stance or with Trump ally Mike Lee.
During the debate, Staggs repeatedly highlighted Trump’s endorsement and criticized Curtis for not endorsing Trump’s re-election bid. Staggs portrayed Trump as a victim of political persecution and emphasized his support for the former president’s policies. Curtis, on the other hand, emphasized his alignment with Utah values and his willingness to support Trump when his actions align with those values. All four candidates expressed a desire to reduce government spending and limit federal overreach, but Wilson claimed to have the greatest impact on Utah residents through his role as House speaker.
Curtis, who has been compared to Romney for pushing back against hardliners in the Republican Party, distanced himself from the retiring senator while campaigning for his seat. The congressman, who served as the mayor of Provo before entering national politics, highlighted his experience in Capitol Hill and his understanding of its inner workings. Staggs, the mayor of Riverton, built his base by courting Trump’s endorsement and has positioned himself as a strong supporter of the former president. However, the convention victory of Staggs and Wilson may not necessarily translate to success at the ballot box.
The winner of the Republican Senate primary will face Democrat Caroline Gleich in November. Gleich, a mountaineer and environmental activist, will challenge the Republican nominee in a state that has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1970. In another race, U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy defended her brief congressional tenure in a debate with challenger Colby Jenkins, who criticized her for working across the aisle. Maloy justified her bipartisan votes, while Jenkins called for Trump’s return to the White House. The winner of this competitive primary will face Democratic nominee Nathaniel Woodward, a family law attorney, in November.
Overall, the Republican primary in Utah, along with other competitive races in the state, reflects a broader national trend of the GOP grappling with Trump’s influence and the future direction of the party. While some candidates are aligning themselves closely with Trump, others are positioning themselves as more independent voices willing to challenge party orthodoxy. The outcome of these races will not only determine the future of Utah politics but also have implications for the broader landscape of the Republican Party in the post-Trump era.
