Republican voters in Utah are gearing up for a crucial primary on Tuesday to determine who will succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney. The primary race is shaping up to be a showdown between candidates representing different factions within the GOP.
The primary duel will test the influence and appeal of former President Donald Trump among Republican voters in Utah, a state that has historically been a Republican stronghold but has shown mixed support for Trump in past elections.
One of the leading candidates, suburban mayor Trent Staggs, has received Trump's endorsement and is positioning himself as a candidate aligned with the former president. He faces competition from U.S. Rep. John Curtis, who is seen as a more moderate alternative in the race.
Curtis, a former mayor of Provo, has been compared to Romney for his willingness to challenge more extreme elements within the Republican Party, particularly on issues like climate change. He is the only candidate in the race who has not outright endorsed Trump's reelection bid.
Another contender, former state House Speaker Brad Wilson, holds a financial advantage in the race after loaning his campaign $3 million. Despite being considered a strong contender, Wilson faces an uphill battle after losing to Staggs at the April convention.
The Republican primary winner is expected to have a strong chance of winning in November over Democratic nominee Caroline Gleich, as Utah has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1970.
Gubernatorial Primary and Other Races
Meanwhile, Governor Spencer Cox, a moderate Republican, is facing a primary challenge from state Rep. Phil Lyman. Cox, who took office in 2021, is favored to win despite facing criticism from some GOP convention delegates. Lyman, known for his involvement in a controversial ATV protest in 2014, has espoused false claims of election fraud.
In addition to the Senate and gubernatorial races, several other key contests are taking place in Utah on Tuesday, including the battle for the open 3rd District U.S. House seat and the 2nd District race featuring Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy.
Overall, the primary elections in Utah are expected to shape the political landscape in the state and provide insights into the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party.
