Trump supports Utah Senate candidate to replace Romney, saying he will be a great Senator
Former President Donald Trump recently endorsed Trent Staggs, the Republican mayor vying to replace retiring Republican Sen. Mitt Romney in Utah’s GOP primary race for the Senate. Trump took to Truth Social to express his support for Staggs, highlighting his commitment to the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda. Trump praised Staggs as a highly successful entrepreneur and lauded his track record as the Mayor of Riverton, emphasizing his ability to create jobs, tackle inflation, boost the economy, and secure the border.
In his endorsement, Trump outlined Staggs’ priorities, including unleashing American energy, supporting the military and veterans, and safeguarding the Second Amendment. Trump’s backing of Staggs injected new energy into the primary race, which saw nearly a dozen Republicans, including notable figures like former House Speaker Brad Wilson and current Utah Rep. John Curtis, jostling for the party’s nomination.
Trent Staggs, known for his stance against mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, had announced his Senate bid last May, well before Romney’s decision to step down. Staggs’ entry into the race signaled a shift in the political landscape, with the mayor positioning himself as a change-maker committed to shaking up the status quo in Washington. Romney, a former presidential nominee, opted not to pursue re-election, paving the way for a new generation of leaders to step forward.
Staggs’ candidacy has garnered support from a spectrum of Republican voices, with endorsements pouring in from Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Arizona Senate hopeful Kari Lake, Rep. Matt Gaetz, and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Notably, Utah’s largest police union, the Utah Fraternal Order of Police, threw its weight behind Staggs, citing his longstanding support for law enforcement and his dedication to ensuring their safety and working conditions.
As the state GOP convention unfolded, the spotlight turned to the candidates vying for the party’s nomination, with a victory potentially signaling a shift towards a more conservative platform that resonates with the party’s base. The convention’s outcome will set the stage for the primary ballot in June, where Republican voters will ultimately decide who will carry the party’s banner into the general election to succeed Romney.
With Trump’s endorsement and a groundswell of support from influential figures within the Republican establishment, Staggs’ campaign has gained momentum heading into the critical phases of the primary race. As the political landscape in Utah evolves, all eyes are on the contenders as they seek to capture the hearts and minds of voters and shape the future of the state’s representation in the Senate.
Stay tuned for more updates as the race unfolds.
