**John Curtis Wins Primary to Replace Sen. Mitt Romney, Set to Face Caroline Gleich**
PROVO, Utah (AP) — In a significant political development, U.S. Rep. John Curtis has emerged victorious in the Republican primary to fill the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Mitt Romney. Curtis, a moderate Republican, defeated far-right candidate Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs, who had the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. This victory underscores Utah’s unique position as a Republican stronghold that does not fully align with Trump’s influence over the GOP.
Curtis, who has represented Utah’s 3rd Congressional District since 2017, celebrated his primary win with supporters in Provo. The atmosphere was jubilant as Curtis hugged his children and grandchildren, all adorned with “John Curtis for U.S. Senate” stickers. He received congratulatory calls from U.S. Sen. Mike Lee and other Utah officials. “Tonight is a night to celebrate, but tomorrow we go back to work,” Curtis told the crowd. “Thank you for the best campaign in the history of the world.”
Curtis’ victory positions him as the favorite in the upcoming November general election in a state that leans heavily Republican. He will face Democratic nominee Caroline Gleich, a mountaineer and environmental activist. Utah has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1970, making Curtis’ path to victory seemingly straightforward.
Sen. Mitt Romney expressed his support for Curtis, stating, “John Curtis is a man of honor and integrity who cares deeply about our fellow citizens and the future of our country. We need more leaders like him.” Curtis, 64, began his political career as a county-level Democratic Party official before switching to the Republican Party and serving as the mayor of Provo. He has been compared to Romney for his moderate stance and willingness to challenge hard-liners within his party, particularly on issues like climate change.
Curtis’ environmental policies and support for military aid to Ukraine have earned him respect among his constituents. Gordon Robinson, a Provo resident and former neighbor of Curtis, praised him for his ability to work across the aisle and compromise without wavering on critical issues. “What I like about him is he’s willing to work on the other side and compromise with people,” Robinson said. “But he doesn’t waver on the issues that matter most.”
However, Democratic nominee Caroline Gleich criticized Curtis, accusing him of pandering to the fossil fuel industry instead of supporting policies to protect public lands, air, and water. Gleich, who leads the Conservative Climate Caucus on Capitol Hill, argued that Curtis is “no moderate.”
Curtis’ primary opponent, Trent Staggs, gained some traction with Trump’s endorsement but ultimately fell short. Trump’s brash style and comments about refugees and immigrants do not resonate well with many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who make up about half of Utah’s 3.4 million residents. Even some voters who supported Staggs, like Erica Goulding of Heber City, did so not out of admiration for Trump but because they felt Curtis was not conservative enough.
In addition to Curtis’ victory, Utah’s moderate Republican Gov. Spencer Cox also won his primary against state Rep. Phil Lyman, a far-right candidate who espoused false claims of election fraud following the 2020 presidential election. Cox, who took office in 2021, was booed earlier this year by GOP convention delegates but prevailed in the primary. “Tonight we restored our faith in the Republican Party and our faith in the people of Utah. They don’t respond to the lies, to the made-up conspiracy theories,” Cox said after his win.
Cox will face Democratic nominee Brian King, a state representative, in November. Utah has not had a Democrat in the governor’s office since 1985. King congratulated Cox on his primary victory but emphasized that voters in November would hold him accountable for his record. “While Utah’s economy is working for those at the top, everyone else is being left behind — which has been typical during Governor Cox’s tenure over the past four years,” King said.
In other election news, state Sen. Mike Kennedy won the Republican primary for the open 3rd District U.S. House seat that Curtis is vacating to run for Senate. In Utah’s 2nd District, the race remains too close to call, with Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy seeking her first full term on Capitol Hill against challenger Colby Jenkins, a retired U.S. Army officer and telecommunications specialist endorsed by Sen. Mike Lee.
Curtis’ journey to the Senate race began in January after he initially announced he would not leave the House of Representatives. However, he changed his mind after receiving an outpouring of support from Utahns. His campaign has focused on his legislative achievements, including efforts to combat human trafficking, support small businesses, and manage public lands. Curtis has also served on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Natural Resources Committee.
As Curtis prepares for the general election, he remains a prominent figure in Utah politics, known for his moderate stance and willingness to challenge hard-liners within his party. His victory in the primary sets the stage for a closely watched Senate race in November.
Source: Associated Press, ABC4
