Celeste Maloy’s victory in Utah’s special election may impact Romney’s future.
Utah Republicans Choose Celeste Maloy in Special Election
Utah Republicans made their voices heard in a three-way GOP primary, rejecting a candidate who criticized former President Donald Trump and nominating Celeste Maloy instead. This outcome could spell trouble for Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT), who has distanced himself from fellow Republicans by openly opposing Trump’s bid for a third consecutive presidential nomination.
A Potential Setback for Romney
Sen. Romney has yet to announce his plans for the 2024 Senate reelection, but his future may be in jeopardy. Celeste Maloy’s victory over former state Rep. Becky Edwards, a GOP member who voted for President Joe Biden in 2020, suggests that Utah Republicans are not inclined to support a candidate who attacks Trump. It’s worth noting that Trump won the heavily conservative state in both of his presidential campaigns.
Edwards, who ran an unsuccessful centrist campaign in 2022 against Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), expressed her belief that Trump deserved impeachment for his role in inciting the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. In contrast, Romney made history as the first senator to vote to convict a president of his own party during Trump’s first impeachment trial in February 2020.
While on the campaign trail, Edwards praised Romney for his commitment to following his conscience, but this endorsement may have been viewed unfavorably by GOP voters.
Romney’s Stance on Trump
Romney was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial, just as he did during the first impeachment. He firmly believed that Trump was “guilty of an appalling abuse of public trust.” The senator has been vocal about Trump’s legal battles, criticizing him for not returning classified documents and bringing charges upon himself.
Maloy, the Republican nominee, received endorsements from the state Republican Party and her former boss, Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT), whom she hopes to succeed. Despite poll numbers favoring Edwards in the days leading up to the election, Maloy secured 38% of the vote, with Edwards coming in a close second at 35%.
A recent survey indicates that Romney could fare well if he decides to run for reelection. However, while ”very conservative” voters in Utah strongly disapprove of his job performance, he enjoys higher approval among “moderate” and “somewhat conservative” voters.
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