AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Utah’s state primaries

WASHINGTON (AP) — Anti-Trump Republicans lost their standard-bearer in the Senate when Sen. Mitt Romney announced he wouldn’t seek a second term. On Tuesday, Utah voters will decide whether a similar brand of politics can still succeed in Republican primaries.

Even before Romney announced he wouldn’t run again, former state House Speaker Brad Wilson had already formed an exploratory committee and Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs joined the primary. Both highlighted their support for former President Donald Trump. U.S. Rep. John Curtis has also entered the race and is widely seen as the candidate best positioned to win the crowded primary.

Primary voters in Utah will also choose candidates for governor, the U.S. House and state legislature.

Curtis leads in most of the public polling for the Senate race, but Staggs has the backing of Trump and the state Republican Party, after winning the most votes at the state convention. Wilson has a financial advantage, having loaned his campaign $3 million. Jason Walton, who’s pitching himself as a businessman in the style of Trump, is also running.

Curtis has reiterated that he would vote for the Republican former president, but his primary opponents have criticized him for a lukewarm embrace of Trump. But while vying for Trump’s support is key in red districts and states, Utah is different. The most conservative candidates, while embraced by the state party, are often snubbed by voters.

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