The Utah Republican primary for the state’s 2nd congressional district concluded on Tuesday, with Representative Celeste Maloy emerging victorious over her challenger, Colby Jenkins. The race attracted significant attention due to the involvement of several high-profile figures on both sides.
Maloy’s victory secures her spot as the Republican nominee in the general election. The 2nd congressional district, which includes cities like Cedar City and St. George, has consistently voted Republican and is considered a safe seat for the party in the upcoming general election.
The primary campaign was marked by a clash of endorsements. Former President Donald Trump threw his support behind Maloy earlier this month, while Senator Mike Lee, a prominent conservative Republican from Utah, endorsed Jenkins in April. Lee expressed his support for Jenkins, citing his commitment to conservative values and limited government. He argued that Jenkins was the better candidate to represent Utah’s values in Washington, stating, “Too many Republicans in Congress have voted to expand the size, scope and cost of the federal government, in many cases deferring to congressional GOP leaders bent on advancing the Democrats’ agenda.”
Jenkins initially gained momentum, securing a victory over Maloy at the Utah GOP nominating convention in May by a margin of 57% to 43%. However, both candidates ultimately advanced to the primary election.
Beyond Trump’s support, Maloy also received backing from House Speaker Mike Johnson and three other Republican House members from Utah: Blake Moore, John Curtis, and Burgess Owens. In contrast, Jenkins garnered endorsements from Senator Rand Paul, former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, and, notably, Senator Lee, who even went so far as to create a promotional video for Jenkins.
The support from Lee, a well-respected figure within the Utah Republican Party, was a surprising turn of events, given his history of endorsing conservative candidates. Lee actively campaigned for Jenkins on social media, urging Utahns to vote for him. He even went as far as to ask his followers, “1. Who has already voted for Colby Jenkins? 2. Who plans to vote for Colby Jenkins, either today or tomorrow? 3. Who would eagerly vote for Colby Jenkins, if only they lived in Utah’s second congressional district? I’m in category 3. How about you?”
Maloy, who assumed the House seat in November 2023 after winning a special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart, faced criticism from Jenkins regarding her voting record. Jenkins accused Maloy of compromising with Democrats on spending bills and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) reauthorization. Maloy, in response, defended her record, stating that her approach was more effective than relying on what she described as “angry talking points and hyperbole.”
Despite the support for Jenkins, Maloy ultimately prevailed in the primary election, securing the Republican nomination for the general election. The race offers a glimpse into the internal dynamics of the Utah Republican Party and the competition for influence within the party in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
