Trump Loyalist Defeated by Climate-Focused Moderate in Race to Replace Romney

(PatriotsUnited.org) – The heated race to replace retiring 77-year-old U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney concluded with a win for Utah moderates, with Representative John Curtis clinching the victory. Joining him in his victory lap is moderate Governor Spencer Cox.

In a recent campaign rally, Trent Staggs, proudly displaying a pro-Trump flag, led a crowd in the “YMCA” dance, underscoring his allegiance to the ex-president. Staggs, the current mayor of Riverton, leveraged Trump’s backing to cement a win at Utah’s GOP convention in April. However, during the primary election on Tuesday, the broader right-wing electorate in Utah ultimately decided that they prefer a more milquetoast conservative akin to Romney.

Representative John Curtis, a fairly middle-of-the-road conservative, was touted as the main frontrunner. The 64-year-old is himself no spring chicken, having been a member of Utah’s House delegation longer than any of his colleagues, and has been more left-leaning on topics such as global warming. While Curtis failed to win at the right-wing convention, he won his place on the primary ballot via signature-gathering, and it was enough for him to easily secure a victory in the primary race on Tuesday.

The state’s Republican base is somewhat split, with many Mormon locals skeptical of Trump’s rhetoric and moral record, with Curtis presenting a more clean-cut image. Curtis founded the Conservative Climate Caucus but has pushed for free market solutions to environmental pressures rather than extreme net-zero policies pushed by the Left. He is in favor of the U.S. continuing to use Utah’s fossil fuel resources.

Curtis recently told the press he thought he had received so much support due to his helping articulate to voters that they are part of the “solution” to climate change and not just hammering on the “problem.” Staggs, meanwhile, has boldly positioned himself as a staunch Trump loyalist. He has emphasized his endorsement by the Oil & Gas Workers Association and prioritizes energy dominance over emissions reduction. His campaign resonated with voters who are frustrated with the current political establishment and seeking a candidate who promises significant change.

This win makes both candidates heavy favorites in the upcoming general election, as Utah is a notoriously red state.

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