In a surprising yet somewhat predictable turn of events, long-time legislator Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) announced in September 2023 that he would not seek re-election. Claiming it was time for a new generation to take the reins and start “mak[ing] the decisions that will shape American politics,” Romney, an anti-Trump Republican who voted to impeach the former president twice, is stepping aside. This announcement left many wondering who could possibly fill his shoes. The answer has finally emerged as Republicans in Utah recently chose their preferred candidate to replace him.
On June 25, Representative John Curtis (R-UT) clinched the Utah primary election against three other competitors vying for Romney’s seat. Garnering 51.6% of the vote, Curtis outperformed his closest rival, Trump-endorsed Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs, by a staggering 23.5%. The race concluded swiftly, with the results called less than half an hour after the polls closed. Curtis is set to run against Democrat Caroline Gleich in November, who won her primary by default after her opponent dropped out.
Curtis bears a striking resemblance to Romney in terms of political stance, especially regarding former President Donald Trump. A mainstream GOP member and Trump critic, Curtis, however, diverged from Romney by voting against impeaching Trump during both of his congressional indictments. Yet, after the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol, Curtis did call for Trump’s censure, highlighting his nuanced stance on the former president.
Initially, Curtis had no intention of running for the Senate seat. However, he was persuaded by a super PAC backed by climate activist Jay Faison. Known for his advocacy against climate change, Curtis heeded the PAC’s call, resulting in a well-funded campaign that spent over $8.5 million to secure the primary victory.
Following his triumph, Romney extended his congratulations on social media, lauding Curtis as a “man of honor and integrity.” The outgoing senator added that Utah and America could benefit from “more leaders like him.” With Curtis heavily favored over Gleich in the fall—Utah hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1970—his path to victory seems clear.
Despite not being as vehement in his opposition to Trump as Romney, Curtis has made it clear that he won’t be giving the former president an “unconditional yes to anything he wants.” This independence may appeal to Utah’s more moderate Republican base, distinguishing him from the more extreme MAGA faction.
After his primary victory, Curtis addressed the press, calling his win a “loud statement” from Utah voters. He expressed his excitement about the opportunity to “go deeper on issues” in the Senate, signaling a commitment to tackling pressing concerns with the same dedication he has shown in the House.
In conclusion, as Romney steps down, John Curtis appears poised to carry on his legacy while forging his own path. With a firm stance on key issues and a willingness to stand up to Trump when necessary, Curtis is set to bring a balanced yet assertive voice to the Senate. Whether this will resonate with the broader electorate in November remains to be seen, but for now, Curtis is the GOP’s new standard-bearer in Utah.
