Republican U.S. Rep. John Curtis secures Utah’s Senate seat, continuing the state’s conservative legacy.
At a Glance
- John Curtis defeats Democrat Caroline Gleich to replace Sen. Mitt Romney in the U.S. Senate
- Curtis, a moderate Republican, is the longest-serving member of Utah’s U.S. House delegation
- He plans to focus on climate change issues, public lands management, and holding China accountable
- Curtis won the Republican primary against a Trump-backed candidate
- All four of Utah’s U.S. House seats were on the ballot, with Republicans poised to sweep the races
Curtis Secures Senate Seat in Republican Stronghold
In a decisive victory for conservatives, U.S. Rep. John Curtis has won Utah’s Senate seat, succeeding Mitt Romney and maintaining the state’s strong Republican representation. Curtis, known for his practical approach and alignment with conservative principles, easily defeated his Democratic challenger Caroline Gleich in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1970.
The Associated Press called the race for Curtis at 10:00 p.m. EST, confirming what many political observers had anticipated given Utah’s deep-red political landscape. Curtis’s victory ensures a seamless continuation of conservative leadership in the Senate, reflecting the priorities of Utah’s electorate.
John Curtis projected as winner in U.S. Senate race, will replace Romney in Utah's seat https://t.co/5qettOM2BH
— FOX 13 News Utah (@fox13) November 6, 2024
A Conservative with a Climate Focus
Curtis, who leads the Conservative Climate Caucus, stands out among Republicans for his stance on environmental issues. Unlike some in his party, Curtis opposes claims that climate change is a hoax, pushing back against climate change deniers while advocating for market-based solutions to reduce emissions.
“Thank you, Utah. This journey has been about getting things done and ensuring that Utah values are represented in our nation’s capital. Your support shows we can address the major challenges ahead: managing public lands, holding China accountable, advancing our energy dominance, and always standing up for the principles that make Utah strong. Go, fight, win!” Curtis said.
His approach to climate change aligns with his broader political philosophy, which he describes as that of a “Ronald Reagan Republican.” Curtis resists being labeled a moderate, despite comparisons to Romney, emphasizing his commitment to conservative principles while addressing pressing environmental concerns.
A Path of Unity and Effective Governance
Curtis’s victory comes after a primary win against a Trump-backed candidate, highlighting the success of moderate Republicans in Utah elections. The state’s large Latter-day Saints population, a key Republican voting bloc, often favors candidates who prioritize effective governance over divisive rhetoric.
Looking ahead, Curtis plans to focus on unity and effective governance, avoiding divisive tactics. His agenda includes addressing challenges such as public lands management, energy dominance, and holding China accountable – issues that resonate strongly with Utah’s conservative base.
Republican Sweep in Utah
Curtis’s Senate victory was part of a broader Republican sweep in Utah. All four of Utah’s U.S. House seats were on the ballot, with Republicans projected to win each race. Rep. Blake Moore secured reelection in Utah’s 1st Congressional District, while State Sen. Mike Kennedy will replace Curtis in the 3rd District.
“Congratulations, Rep. Curtis. Throughout the campaign, Rep. Curtis promised to take action on climate, and I look forward to working with him and other legislators on protecting our environment and supporting policies for our families, freedom and future,” Caroline Gleich said.
As Curtis prepares to take his seat in the Senate, he carries with him a mandate from Utah voters to uphold conservative values while addressing the complex challenges facing the nation. His unique blend of traditional Republican principles and forward-thinking environmental policies positions him as a distinctive voice in the evolving landscape of conservative politics.
