Rep. John Curtis was declared the winner Tuesday of the Utah GOP primary to replace retiring Sen. Mitt Romney, defeating a candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
The Associated Press called the race for Mr. Curtis with 49% of the vote counted after the congressman garnered 52% of the vote, easily besting Riverton Mayor Trent Skaggs, who got 28% of the vote in the multi-candidate field despite garnering Mr. Trump’s support.
Mr. Curtis, a moderate Republican who has represented Utah’s 3rd Congressional District since 2017, won the congratulations of Mr. Romney, who was elected to the Senate in 2018 following his unsuccessful 2012 presidential bid.
“John Curtis is a man of honor and integrity who cares deeply about our fellow citizens and the future of our country,” Mr. Romney wrote on X. “We need more leaders like him. Utahns will be very fortunate to have him represent our state in the Senate next year. Congratulations @CurtisUT!”
Mr. Curtis will be heavily favored to win the November election in ruby-red Utah against Democratic nominee Caroline Gleich.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox also won his Republican primary battle for a second term. He will face, and will be favored to defeat, Democratic state Rep. Brian King in November.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.
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