Utah's Rep. John Curtis Launches Senate Campaign as Romney Steps Down

Avery Emberly

Updated Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 6:39 AM CDT

Utah's Rep. John Curtis Launches Senate Campaign as Romney Steps Down

Republican U.S. Rep. John Curtis of Utah has officially announced his bid for the U.S. Senate, aiming to succeed the retiring Senator Mitt Romney. Curtis, a former Democratic Party official turned Republican, has served Utah's Third District since 2017 and was the mayor of Provo for seven years prior. His unique political journey from Democrat to Republican reflects the dynamic landscape of Utah's political scene.

In the race to fill Romney's seat, Curtis faces competition from Brent Orrin Hatch, son of the late Sen. Orrin Hatch and a respected trial lawyer with over three decades of legal experience in Utah. Hatch, who served as an associate White House counsel under President George H.W. Bush, positions himself as a non-career politician with deep ties to the conservative Federalist Society.

The departure of Romney, a noted critic of former President Donald Trump and a prominent figure in national politics, marks the end of a significant chapter for Utah. Romney, aged 76, declared he would not pursue a second term, leaving a legacy of independence within the GOP. Other Republicans seeking to claim Romney's Senate seat include former Utah House speaker Brad Wilson, Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs, and Roosevelt Mayor Rod Bird Jr.

In Mississippi, political activity intensifies as the state gears up for its primaries on March 12. Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson, who has represented Mississippi's 2nd Congressional District since 1993 and served as chair of the dissolved House Jan. 6 committee, is running for reelection. On the Republican front, Rep. Michael Guest, the current chair of the House Ethics Committee, confirmed his bid for reelection in the state's 3rd Congressional District.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, has endorsed Trump's inclusion in the state's Republican primary ballot, emphasizing the former president's continued influence in the state. Rep. Mike Ezell and Sen. Roger Wicker are among the Republicans seeking reelection, with Wicker facing a primary challenge from State Rep. Dan Eubanks. On the Democratic side, Ty Pinkins, an attorney and former secretary of state candidate, is vying for the party's nomination in the U.S. Senate race.

The political landscape in Mississippi remains predominantly Republican, with candidates like Rep. Trent Kelly yet to confirm reelection plans. The state's qualifying period for candidates eyeing federal office has recently commenced, setting the stage for a competitive election season leading up to the general election on November 5.

As the Republican Party continues to navigate its future direction, the upcoming primaries in Utah and Mississippi will be key indicators of the party's evolving identity and the electorate's priorities. With significant seats up for grabs and a diverse array of candidates stepping forward, the political battles in these states are poised to capture national attention.

Conservative Bias:

Folks, what we have here is a classic case of the GOP cleaning house, with John Curtis, a man wise enough to abandon the sinking ship of liberalism, stepping up to continue the true conservative legacy in Utah. This is a testament to the strength and appeal of our conservative values, which even former Democrats can't deny. Meanwhile, in Mississippi, we're gearing up to show the country what real American leadership looks like, with true patriots like Tate Reeves standing firm with President Trump, a man who's done more for this country than any liberal ever could. As we head into these primaries, it's clear that the Republican Party is the only party with the vision and the backbone to lead America to greatness, unfettered by the failed policies and weak-kneed diplomacy of the left.

Liberal Bias:

In Utah, we're witnessing the GOP's desperate scramble to replace one of their few voices of reason, Mitt Romney, with John Curtis, a man whose political flip-flopping is as dizzying as the conservatives' disregard for consistency. The Republican Party continues its descent into chaos, ignoring the lessons of history and the calls for unity, instead favoring candidates who pander to the extreme right. Down in Mississippi, the GOP's embrace of Trump's divisive politics is on full display, as Tate Reeves and his cronies continue to push an agenda that undermines democracy and caters to the wealthiest few. As the primaries approach, it's becoming increasingly clear that the Republican Party is determined to double down on its exclusionary tactics, alienating vast swaths of the American populace in their quest for power.

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