John Curtis emerged victorious in Tuesday night’s primary challenge in Utah, paving the way for a potential bid to replace retiring Senator Mitt Romney. With 52% of the vote, Curtis secured the win as the Associated Press called the race in his favor.
The victory sets the stage for Curtis to advance to the November general election, where he will face Democratic nominee Caroline Gleich. Utah, a historically red state, has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1970, making the upcoming race a significant one to watch.
Curtis faced stiff competition from runner-up candidate Trent Staggs, who garnered 28.2% of the vote. Staggs, a Trump-endorsed candidate, positioned himself as a staunch supporter of the former president’s policies, particularly on issues like inflation, the economy, and border security.
In a state where Trump’s endorsement holds weight, Curtis, a moderate Republican, presented himself as an alternative to the more conservative Staggs. The congressman, who has served in Utah’s House delegation since 2017, has not endorsed Trump for president, aligning himself more closely with Romney’s base.
Despite facing challenges from other conservative candidates like former state House Speaker Brad Wilson and businessman Jason Walton, Curtis emerged victorious, solidifying his position as a frontrunner in the race for the Senate seat.
As the November election approaches, all eyes will be on Utah as Curtis and Gleich vie for the opportunity to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
