Republicans Pick Up Empty House Seat as Former Congressional Aide Wins Special Election
Republican Celeste Maloy Wins Special Election for Utah’s 2nd District
Republican candidate Celeste Maloy has emerged victorious in a special election for Utah’s 2nd District, according to multiple reports. This district was previously represented by former Republican Rep. Chris Stewart for a decade until his resignation on Sept. 15 due to his wife’s health concerns.
Maloy, who had served on Stewart’s staff and received his endorsement, secured the win with 54% of the vote in the general election. She defeated Democratic state Sen. Kathleen Riebe, as reported by The New York Times.
“I said early on in this campaign that I was going to outwork everybody else, and I think I’ve made good on that promise. And I feel confident because I’m hearing a lot of positive feedback from the people I’m out talking to,” Maloy said Monday.https://t.co/6DwVOszYwX
— Celeste Maloy (@CelesteMaloyUT) November 20, 2023
“I said early on in this campaign that I was going to outwork everybody else, and I think I’ve made good on that promise. And I feel confident because I’m hearing a lot of positive feedback from the people I’m out talking to,” expressed Maloy in a post to X prior to her victory.
Maloy will now join the 118th Congress to complete the remainder of Stewart’s term, which was set to end on Jan. 3, 2025. She will need to seek re-election in 2024 to continue serving in office for another term.
Her victory will increase the House Republicans’ narrow majority by one seat, bringing their total to 222 members compared to the Democrats’ 213 members.
The race between Maloy and Riebe primarily revolved around economic issues, with Maloy pledging to reduce public spending and prioritize fiscal responsibility during her tenure.
“We have to get our spending under control. Spending more money isn’t going to solve the world’s problems,” emphasized Maloy during the candidates’ debate on Oct. 17. She also expressed her commitment to supporting Israel in its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Riebe, who previously served on the Utah State Board of Education, was elected to the state Senate in 2018. Her district covers urban areas in Sandy, a suburb of Salt Lake City.
Maloy, who previously served as Stewart’s chief legal counsel in Congress, emerged as the district’s nominee after a competitive primary. She outpaced her opponent Riebe by nearly $300,000 in fundraising between April and November, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission.
Utah’s 2nd Congressional District encompasses almost the entire western half of the state and holds a Cook Partisan Voting Index rating of R+11.
A poll conducted by Lighthouse Research in October indicated that Maloy was leading Riebe by 9 points.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has not yet responded to requests for comment.
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The post Republicans Pick Up Empty House Seat as Former Congressional Aide Wins Special Election appeared first on The Western Journal.
What were some of the key factors that contributed to Celeste Maloy’s victory in the special election for Utah’s 2nd District?
Ved as communications director for Stewart, has expressed her gratitude for his support and endorsement throughout her campaign. She has vowed to continue Stewart’s work and uphold the conservative values that he stood for during his time in office.
The special election in Utah’s 2nd District drew significant attention, as it was seen as an opportunity for Democrats to gain a seat in a traditionally Republican stronghold. However, Maloy’s victory has reaffirmed the district’s conservative leanings and strengthened the Republican majority in the House of Representatives.
During her campaign, Maloy focused on economic issues, pledging to reduce government spending and prioritize fiscal responsibility. She argued that simply increasing spending would not solve the country’s problems and emphasized the need for responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
In addition to her fiscal conservatism, Maloy also expressed her unwavering support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas. This stance resonated with many voters in the district, which has a significant population of pro-Israel constituents.
On the other hand, Democratic candidate Kathleen Riebe campaigned on a platform of education and community development. As a former member of the Utah State Board of Education, Riebe had experience in advocating for educational initiatives and promoting the well-being of the community.
Despite Riebe’s strong campaign, Maloy’s close ties to Stewart and her conservative message resonated strongly with voters in the district. Her promise to continue Stewart’s work and her track record of dedication and hard work on his staff undoubtedly played a role in her victory.
With her win in the special election, Maloy will now serve in Congress to complete the remainder of Stewart’s term. She will need to seek re-election in 2024 to continue serving in office for another term.
Maloy’s victory not only represents a personal triumph for her but also carries broader implications for the political landscape in Utah’s 2nd District. Her win solidifies the district as a stronghold for Republican values and adds to the House Republicans’ narrow majority.
As Celeste Maloy embarks on her new role as the Representative for Utah’s 2nd District, she will undoubtedly be faced with a myriad of challenges and responsibilities. However, her victory in the special election demonstrates her commitment to serving the constituents of her district and upholding the principles of conservatism.
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