The Utah Republican Party has nominated Trent Staggs to replace Mitt Romney in the U.S. Senate. The GOP endorsement came shortly after Staggs earned the support of former President Donald Trump and after Romney, 76, said he would not seek another term in office.
“Trent Staggs is 100% MAGA, and is running to fill The Mitt Romney, a Total Loser, Seat as the next Senator from the Great State of Utah,” Trump wrote Saturday on Truth Social. “A Highly Successful Entrepreneur, who has served brilliantly as Mayor of Riverton for the past six years, Trent knows how to Create Jobs, Stop Inflation, Grow the Economy, and Secure the Border.”
“Let’s replace Joe Biden’s favorite Republican with Donald Trump’s favorite Republican in Utah,” Staggs said Saturday following his nomination, in reference to Romney’s moderate stances and outspoken opposition to Trump.
Staggs, currently serving as the mayor of Riverton, a city just south of Salt Lake City, is still required to face off against other prominent GOP figures in the June 25 primary. These include U.S. Representative John Curtis and previous Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson.
While Staggs has managed to gain substantial support from top Republican figures and delegates, past election cycles have demonstrated that party nominations don’t always dictate Utah citizens’ voting choices.
Staggs, Curtis, and Wilson present a diversified GOP ticket. Curtis, known for his moderate approach, could appeal to a broader spectrum of voters and supporters of the outgoing Romney, while Wilson has achieved a reputation as a hardline Trump supporter.
The outcome of the June GOP primary is significant for Utah’s political landscape, especially with the departure of Romney — a central figure in the moderate Republican community. The primary will represent a test of the strength of Trump’s endorsement in a state that has historically been somewhat cautious about embracing his policy agenda.