A dozen Utah Republicans are competing to replace Senator Mitt Romney, with the party’s nomination revealing the preferred brand of conservatism among modern voters. Observers are watching to see if voters will choose a successor aligned with Romney’s moderate politics or the more conservative stance of Senator Mike Lee, a Trump supporter.
The state GOP convention may favor far-right candidates, but the ultimate choice for Romney’s successor will be decided by Republican voters in the June 25 primary. The race, which includes a congressman, a former state legislative leader, and the son of a former senator, will set the tone for Utah conservatism post-Romney and serve as a litmus test for Trump’s popularity.
Candidates closely aligned with Trump, like former state House Speaker Brad Wilson, are expected to do well at the convention. However, political scientists anticipate a more moderate candidate, such as U.S. Rep. John Curtis, will prevail in the primary. Curtis has distanced himself from Trump and Romney, promising to forge his own path in the Senate.
The party nomination may carry little weight in Utah, where Republican delegates often don’t represent the broader party membership. Notably, candidates have not sought Romney’s endorsement, which is unusual in races with a departing incumbent. Several have sought the support of Lee, but he has not endorsed anyone in the race so far.
Curtis, Wilson, and businessman Jason Walton have already secured their spots on the primary ballot through signature gathering. Other candidates, including Brent Orrin Hatch, son of Utah’s longest-serving U.S. senator, the late Orrin Hatch, have until mid-June to file paperwork. Wilson has raised about $2 million from supporters and loaned his campaign an additional $2.8 million.
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